Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins has only one problem for England

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…

Harry Kane's presence in the England squad is the "only problem" for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, according to Alan Hutton.

Watkins, 27, has been in incredible form for the Villans over the last 12 months with his goalscoring performances earning multiple call-ups to the England national team.

However, Watkins has only managed to earn nine caps in his career since making his debut in March 2021 against San Marino in a 2022 World Cup qualifier. He's scored three goals for the Three Lions, with one of them being in that match against San Marino.

Watkins started against North Macedonia on Monday night in what was just his second appearance in a competitive game.

However, he lasted just 58 minutes before being substituted off for Bayern Munich goal machine Kane. One minute later, England scored thanks to an own goal.

Hutton is happy to see Watkins getting into the England team but he's hinted that the Villa man needs to start seizing whatever opportunities he gets for the Three Lions.

"With Ollie Watkins, when you come into that fold, you know Harry Kane is the main guy," Hutton told Villa News.

"You want to hit the ground running, you're trying so hard. He had a couple of decent opportunities but I think with him, he needs time to bed in.

"There was one where Phil Foden played the ball in and he just missed it. It was a good opportunity and I was obviously desperate for him to score that.

"The more he plays, the more opportunities he gets and the more goals he scores. He's shown that in an Aston Villa top but the only problem is that Harry Kane's there."

In other Aston Villa news, the club has been told to sign a new striker as concerns about Watkins emerge.