Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins could be set to start for England against Brazil on Saturday evening.
According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, the 28-year-old could start due to Harry Kane’s injury.
The fixture at Wembley could present the former Brentford striker with an excellent chance to stake a claim ahead of the summer’s European Championships. However, Ivan Toney will probably have something to say about Watkins’ involvement.
Toney, valued at around £100million [Sky Sports], is also in Gareth Southgate’s squad and will be looking to make an impression.
With spaces in the squad at a premium, one of Watkins or Toney will probably be disappointed ahead of the Euros.
On Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Clinton Morrison has made clear who he believes should be England’s second choice in Germany.
Who does Clinton Morrison think should start in Germany – Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney?
Talking on Saturday, 23 March, Morrison said: “Watkins is ahead at the moment. Toney offers the same as what Kane does.”
He added: “He’s brilliant with his penalties, defending his box and gets goals, but if you’re a centre forward who’s scoring like Watkins, you’ll be really disappointed if you’re not on that plane. Ollie Watkins gives you something different. He could even play up there with Harry Kane. Defenders don’t like running back to their own goal. They want to see the pitch in front of them.
“One thing about Watkins is that he’s stepped up to the mark. Fair play to him. This season, he’s been outstanding and led the line ever so well. He looks a lot more confident now, and he’s changed his game. When he first came to Villa, he made needless runs. He now operates between the 18-yard box.”
What has Gareth Southgate said about Ollie Watkins?
The England boss has remained relatively coy over whether Toney and Watkins are fighting for one spot in the squad.
He told the media on Friday: “That is a decision that we have to make. A nine is a specialist position but they have different attributes. It would depend a little bit on the injury status in other positions in the squad and also having perhaps players that can play more than one role.
“I think both of them know that the opportunity is big. But they’re both in good form, they’ve both had time with us.
“Ollie’s [Watkins] been with us more recently, of course, and has done well in the games he’s played. He’s had a fabulous season for his club. Ivan [Toney], since he’s come back into Brentford’s team, has had the impact we expected him to, so they are two very, very good players.”
For Watkins, taking his chance in the upcoming fixtures is a must. Failure to take advantage could dwindle his hopes of making the Euros squad. Toney’s ability from the penalty spot and his physical presence certainly liken him to Kane, which could be an issue for the Aston Villa star.
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