Darren Bent has suggested there’s been an overreaction to what one of Aston Villa’s key men did on Saturday.
Several of Unai Emery’s squad have jetted off on international duty this week ahead of Villa’s return to Premier League action against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Emi Martinez, for example, is set to rack up over 12000 miles whilst away on Argentina duty before returning to the West Midlands later this week.
Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins featured for England against Brazil on Saturday evening as Gareth Southgate’s side were beaten 1-0.
The latter started in place of the injured Harry Kane and missed a first-half chance after some excellent last-ditch defending.
The 28-year-old’s effort has come under some scrutiny, something Bent cannot agree with.
Darren Bent details ‘overreaction’ to Ollie Watkins’ miss against Brazil
Talking on Ben Foster’s Fozcast [06:52], Bent said: “I think he [Watkins] did okay, it’s difficult. I’ve been that centre forward against a Brazil team, and it’s really hard.
“Especially the way they play and defend. I do think there’s been an overreaction to the chance that he missed. Anyone who’s watched football can clearly see that when he went to shoot, the defender got a touch first. You know, when he goes to kick it, and it comes off his foot and goes over?
“I’ve read some reports saying he missed a sitter. Come on, it’s not a sitter. It’s good defending. I don’t want people to look at Watkins’ performance against Brazil and detract from what he’s done for Aston Villa.”
On Watkins’ form for Aston Villa, Bent added, “He’s been outstanding. It looks like it’s Ivan Toney’s time to step up against Belgium. All Watkins can do now is get his head down and keep scoring goals and creating opportunities, and then he can’t get left behind.”
What else has been said about Ollie Watkins’ miss v Brazil?
Former England goalkeeper Rob Green initially claimed Watkins’ miss was a “guilt edge” chance before backtracking on his comments.
On Channel Four’s commentary, he 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.”
Elsewhere, the nation’s media was quick to highlight the striker’s missed opportunity against Brazil, with Ivan Toney set to be given the nod against Belgium on Tuesday evening.
The 28-year-old will be hoping to hit the ground running when he returns to Villa to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday evening.
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