While England were celebrating reaching the quarter-final of Euro 2024, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins may have felt some worry.
Jude Bellingham handed Gareth Southgate a get-out-of-jail-free card on Sunday evening as England beat Slovakia in extra-time at Euro 2024.
The Stourbridge-born star scored an overhead kick to send the game to extra-time, where Harry Kane netted the eventual winner after a horrendous England display.
Back at Villa Park, Aston Villa fans were able to see Ezri Konsa earn his debut at the tournament however, it was a contrasting night for Ollie Watkins.
Ollie Watkins will be concerned after late England Euro 2024 win against Slovakia
While Konsa will be delighted to have secured his first minutes of the tournament, with more expected to come, Watkins may be feeling worried to some degree.
The Villa defender should theoretically come in to replace Marc Guehi, who will be suspended for the quarter-final although, his Villa teammate’s chances became more slim.
During the Round of 16 clash against Slovakia, England’s need to see Watkins grew however, Southgate’s rigid system somehow prevailed in the end.
The Villa talisman remained as an unused substitute throughout the 120 minutes played and was forced to watch his strike competitors secure goal contributions.
Ivan Toney assisted Kane’s eventual winner, seeing the duo’s claim to the XI doubtlessly rise in Southgate’s eyes, leaving Watkins to slip down the pecking order.
Watkins Euro 2024 snub is somewhat expected as England flatter to deceive
In the build-up to the tournament, there was a lot of doubt over Watkins’ claim to the England side, as his domestic form was somewhat disregarded.
While Toney and Kane’s prominence is unquestionable based on their quality, the Villa forward should feel hard done by this summer.
In England’s opening four games at the competition, Watkins has secured only 20 minutes of action, with Southgate not looking to the striker despite England’s woes in attack.
Securing 32 goal contributions over the 2023/24 Premier League campaign was not enough for the 28-year-old to be considered as a starter for the Three Lions, something that doesn’t look likely to change ahead of the quarter-final.
By Kane scoring and Toney assisting, England’s progression at the Euros was confirmed and subsequently, so was Watkins’ place on the bench.
The Bayern Munich talisman has been largely ineffective at the tournament although, having netted the decisive goal, Southgate’s judgement will be clouded once more, leaving Watkins with little chance to make an impact.
Fortunately, the striker is admired and celebrated at Villa Park, where he will be supported during the summer regardless of the role he is handed for the remainder of England’s journey.
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