Ex-Aston Villa employee shares concerning Ollie Watkins claim amid potential Thomas Tuchel snub
Ollie Watkins is on the verge of being dropped from the England squad after a difficult start to the season for Aston Villa.
The striker has found the back of the net just once so far this term for the Villans, and he is without a goal in club football since 28 September.
Watkins has been a central figure for Aston Villa in their recent rise, and that has seen him become a regular in international squads, but that could soon be about to change.
The 29-year-old has struggled to perform for Unai Emery’s men so far in 2025-26, and that could now impact his place for his country.
Ollie Watkins ‘not enjoying his football’ at Aston Villa
Watkins and his Aston Villa teammate Morgan Rogers both scored for England in their recent 3-0 victory over Wales, but that may not be enough to save his place this time around.
Thomas Tuchel is considering the possibility of handing Danny Welbeck a first cap in seven years when he confirms his latest squad on Friday, and Watkins is the likely man to miss out, according to the iPaper.
The ex-Brentford frontman has been far from his best for his club of late, and that could be about to be reflected on the international stage.
- Watkins has one club goal from 14 appearances in all competitions
- He currently has an xG of just 1.7 in the Premier League
- Villa are ranked 17th in the Premier League in terms of big chances created so far
Ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes that Watkins’ issues in 2025-26 can be attributed to the somewhat concerning fact that he isn’t enjoying his football in B6 at the moment.
“He (Watkins) needs help up there, and the players that were up there with him last season aren’t there any more, the likes of (Marco) Asensio and (Marcus)Rashford,” King said.
“If you’re playing with quality, then it’s going to help you; you’re going to lift your game as well. Emery has got to keep playing him. That’s the only way he’s going to play his way into form.
“He’s almost scored more goals for England than he has for Villa this season. It all comes down to enjoying your football. At the moment, it doesn’t look as though he’s enjoying his football.”
Ollie Watkins has perfect chance against Maccabi Tel Aviv
Watkins desperately needs a confidence boost at Aston Villa, and he appears set to get the perfect opportunity for that on Thursday.
The second city outfit are set to meet Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League, and the Israeli side have picked up just one point from their opening three games in the competition.
There is likely to be a huge gulf between the level of the two teams at Villa Park, and that will hand Watkins the perfect chance to get the much-needed goal that he needs to try and fire himself back into form.
Ultimately, strikers don’t lose their ability overnight, and it may only take one strike for the 29-year-old to be back at his brilliant best.
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