Ollie Watkins unfairly treated as ‘100%’ Aston Villa forward verdict shared by BBC pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park…
Ollie Watkins is unfortunate to miss out on the England squad as he’s been in such good form for Aston Villa under Unai Emery, according to Alan Hutton.
Watkins, 27, has scored seven goals and supplied two assists in 12 Premier League games since the World Cup break.
Before the domestic action stopped, the ex-Brentford striker had just two goals in 14 league appearances with Steven Gerrard mostly in charge of those games.
Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad failed to include Watkins ahead of the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
When asked by Villa News if Watkins can feel hard done by Southgate’s decision, Hutton said: “Oh, 100 per cent.
“He’s been in really good form recently – especially since Unai Emery came in.
“He’s been allowed to be that focal guy up front and he’d scored six in seven games [before the win over Bournemouth on 18 March].
“I think he’d find it’s really unfortunate he’s not made it in the England squad but when you look at what strikers are in it, Toney’s been in spectacular form as well.
“It’s a tough squad to get into but if he keeps going the way he is, he’ll get other opportunities.”
England’s squad contains just two out-and-out centre-forwards in captain Harry Kane and Brentford goal machine Toney.
Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka are the other forwards listed in the squad.
In other Aston Villa news, players could now be fighting for their futures at Villa Park with a mid-table finish all-but secured.