Ollie Watkins is determined to maximise his opportunities while playing for England. The Aston Villa striker, known for his memorable last-minute semi-final winner against the Netherlands in Euro 2024, expressed his desire to be a starting player for his country.
During a recent Nations League camp where England faced Greece and Finland, Watkins found himself frustrated with limited playing time. Despite an injury sidelining Harry Kane, the team opted not to have a recognised striker on the field in a match against Greece, choosing Jude Bellingham as a false nine instead. England suffered a 2-1 defeat in that game. Watkins was only brought on as a substitute and managed to provide an assist.
In the subsequent match against Finland, where Kane returned to play, Watkins once again started from the bench. When he eventually got on the pitch, he assisted in a goal for Declan Rice. Watkins acknowledged the competitive nature of the team, stating, “Everyone wants to start, but it’s the manager’s decision. It’s one you have to accept.”
The striker supported manager Lee Carsley’s unconventional line-up that featured an array of attacking players behind Bellingham. Despite the tactical experiment not yielding the desired result, Watkins commended the attempt to try something different, emphasising the squad’s quality and versatility. Watkins, known for his creative abilities on the field, emphasised his preference for scoring goals himself, though he recognises the value of assisting his teammates.
Looking ahead, Watkins is focused on continual improvement, setting goals for himself each season. He aims to showcase his skills in the Champions League and earn more opportunities to represent both England and his club, Aston Villa, in matches. The striker remains committed to developing his game and making an impact whenever he steps onto the pitch.