Former England goalkeeper Rob Green couldn’t believe what he saw Ollie Watkins do for England against Brazil on Saturday evening.
The 28-year-old was handed a start by Gareth Southgate due to Harry Kane’s injury and played the full 90 minutes in the Three Lions’ 1-0 loss.
In an eventful first half, the Aston Villa striker managed one shot and created a solitary big chance [FotMob].
The striker’s effort was England’s best first-half chance. However, the Villa man couldn’t hit the target and was put off by some last-ditch defending.
Nevertheless, former England goalkeeper Rob Green couldn’t believe Watkins didn’t find the back of the net.
Rob Green cannot believe Ollie Watkins miss v Brazil
Talking on Channel Four’s commentary [19:22, 23 March], Green said: “He’s got to score. Chances like that in international football, you don’t get a lot of them in the game. It’s a guilt edge chance; it’s a difficult chance for him. He’s stretching.”
How did Ollie Watkins play against Brazil?
This feels like a missed chance. The 28-year-old couldn’t make the most of England’s best opportunity on goal and failed to make a significant impact throughout.
Per FotMob, Watkins managed just 24 touches of the ball, six of which came in Brazil’s box. Furthermore, his first-half effort was his only shot on goal.
Unfortunately, his display won’t see Kane dislodged any time soon. If Watkins is to make the Euros squad, operating as a backup option from the bench will be his role.
Talking about the Aston Villa striker, Southgate said: “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 are aware that the opportunity is a big one. 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.”
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