Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins development emerges ahead of England v Brazil
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins is expected to start for England in the friendly clash against Brazil at Wembley on 23 March, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper reported via its website on 23 March that, with Harry Kane out with an injury, Gareth Southgate has had Watkins leading the attack in training sessions at St George’s Park.
It is said that this will be the striker’s chance to impress ahead of the European Championships in Germany, fighting with Ivan Toney for the second-choice role behind Kane.
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It seems Southgate has leaned more towards Watkins being the main backup for his captain given the news of his role in training sessions, and the opportunity to start against Brazil will have to be one he grabs with both hands.
This has come after former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson insisted that he would select Toney ahead of Watkins in his England squad for the Euros due to the former’s prowess from the penalty spot – it’s now up to Villa’s main man to prove him wrong.
Watkins’ 16 goals and 10 assists in 29 Premier League games this season have earned him high praise for his performances, and should be enough to secure his place for England, but he will need to prove it playing under Southgate.
It has been suggested that Watkins may not remain at Villa Park for much longer amid interest from Champions League clubs, and if he can secure his place in the England squad, the money involved in any deal could shoot up.
In other Aston Villa news, a ‘major’ injury concern has emerged at Villa Park.
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