Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins must prove doubters wrong after Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher claims
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins is facing a continuous challenge to prove his worth to England after both Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher said they would select Ivan Toney instead.
Watkins is seemingly facing a battle with the Brentford forward to be named in the England squad for the European Championships – despite Gareth Southgate claiming both could be included.
Since the friendlies with Brazil and Belgium, with Watkins starting the former and Toney the latter, it appears the tide has shifted towards Brentford’s main man in the public eye.
However, Carragher insisted he would take both strikers, as he claimed they offer different aspects of their game if they’re coming in for Harry Kane.
Speaking on The Overlap [2 April], both Carragher and Neville simultaneously said: “Toney,” when asked who they’d bring, before Neville explained: “I have to say, I thought with him up front holding his position, he looked wise, calm, controlled. I thought it was really good from Toney.”
Carragher went on to share: “I always think Harry Kane is our centre-forward, but if he’s missing a game, do you want something different or do you want someone to replicate what he brings to the team?
“That’s a completely different argument because I do think Watkins is completely different and Toney is more like Kane. Is there a case for both of them to go?”
Ollie Watkins must prove Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville wrong
Both former Birmingham City striker Troy Deeney and ex-England goalkeeper Rob Green admitted they were disappointed with Watkins’ performances while on international duty.
In the 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley in which Watkins played 90 minutes, he picked up one key pass, but missed one big chance with his only shot of the game and failed to make a difference to the team going forward. [Sofascore]
On top of that, he failed to hit the target with a single one of his attempted crosses and didn’t win any of the three ground duels he competed in, losing possession nine times and giving away one foul, recording a 75 per cent pass accuracy.
Meanwhile, Toney’s performance against Belgium saw him score from the penalty spot, as well as providing two key passes, one big chance created, win four of his six attempted duels and record an 83 per cent pass accuracy. [Sofascore]
Since returning to their clubs for Premier League action, Watkins managed just 45 minutes before coming off with a knock against Wolves while Toney received plaudits for his performance in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
At this stage, the decision could go either way, and both strikers could be selected, but Watkins must prove his doubters wrong and establish his place in the squad.
In other Aston Villa news, an academy star could be set to take the step up.
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