Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to make impact in England and Harry Kane update
Dan Bardell believes Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins will have to make an impact for England off the bench with Harry Kane guaranteed to start.
The Three Lions made it through at the top of Group C but their performances at the EUROs have drawn plenty of criticism.
Despite an embarrassment of riches going forward, only two goals have been scored but the Villa man has only been called upon for 20 minutes.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell has suggested that Gareth Southgate will always favour Kane with Watkins to be used as an impact sub.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bardell said: “England has been a tough watch so far in the EUROs. There are a lot of problems there with plenty of questions being asked.
“I love Ollie Watkins and want to see him go on and do well for his country but Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world. If you want a chance to fall to anyone at the tournament it is him so he will always start.
“There is room for Watkins to make an impact from the bench there is no doubt about that. He looked bright when he came on and that’s what I expect his role to be.
“He made a difference against Denmark and I was surprised he hasn’t come on more. I’m sure the deeper England go in this tournament, the more we will see Ollie Watkins.“
Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins to make England impact
Watkins had a superb season in claret and blue which saw him up there as one of the best players in the Premier League.
Ahead of the EUROs, there was even discussion that he may not be taken to Germany as part of the squad.
He was taken alongside Ivan Toney and has been given one appearance off the bench where he made a positive impact despite not scoring.
Kane came off to be replaced by the Villa man who made a difference with constant runs in behind the Denmark defence.
Even with the score at 0-0 against Slovenia, Southgate didn’t call on him and left his captain on the pitch but he couldn’t score or change the result.
Moving deeper into the tournament there is no chance that the Bayern Munich star is dropped given his ability to take chances when they come.
Coming off the bench, like he did against Denmark, will be Watkins’ only chance and he has to make that count this summer.
In other Aston Villa news, the club have been accused of abusing a transfer “loophole” after a recent contract update.
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