Micah Richards shares what Ollie Watkins needs to do at Aston Villa in new World Cup verdict
Micah Richards has told Ollie Watkins what he needs to do to ensure his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for next year’s World Cup.
Watkins has struggled for Aston Villa this season, with the striker netting just once from 16 appearances across all competitions.
The striker’s poor form follows an incredibly strong last campaign, and has sparked concern over the Villans’ striking situation going forward.
Watkins scored for England against Wales in October and had looked to be a certainty for next year’s competition.
However, Tuchel left Watkins out of the England squad for the November internationals, in a new question mark over the striker’s place.
Ollie Watkins ‘can do it’ but change needed
Unai Emery bizarrely claimed that “Watkins is scoring” after Villa‘s victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv before the international break.
But really, the Spaniard will be more aware than anyone else that the striker is not, and the pressure is increasing by the game.
Watkins again was handed the start for Villa in the 4-0 victory over Bournemouth before the break, and again, the England international failed to find the net.
His replacement, Donyell Malen, was brought on in place of the 29-year-old and scored within a minute, further intensifying calls for the Dutchman to take on a more prominent role in the line-up.
Should Emery oblige, Watkins’ World Cup spot would surely be under significant threat. Tuchel will want to take a capable replacement for Harry Kane, with the Bayern Munich man suffering several recent injuries.
Speaking to The Rest is Football podcast on Monday, Richards said: “I think Ollie Watkins can do it. I think he needs to get his sharpness back. I think he was the answer in the last competition.
“But if you look at the last game against Serbia, he (Tuchel) tried Phil Foden in that false-nine position, so that is something that he’s looked at as well, so tactically he’s trying out absolutely everything.
“But I do like Watkins because he stretches oppositions.”
Not only Watkins to blame for poor form
There is no doubt about it – Watkins has been poor this season. Just one goal in the Premier League, from an expected goals (xG) number of 2.3.
The striker has taken 17 shots, with just four of them on target, has created just six chances for his teammates, and has won 41.9 per cent of his duels.
| Ollie Watkins | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 2.3 |
| Shots | 17 |
| Chances created | 6 |
| Dribbles completed | 8 |
| Duels won | 36 |
But there is a suggestion that Emery must hold himself accountable, too. Shockingly, Villa have created just a 9.4 xG in the Premier League this season – only Burnley have created less.
Simply put, the Villans are not creating many great opportunities, the type of chances that Watkins thrived off last season.
If the 29-year-old is to go to the World Cup next year, that, as well as his efficiency with the chances he does get, must change.
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