David Ornstein reveals what he heard about Ollie Watkins’ England ambition amid Arsenal links – ‘I understand…’
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was left out of the last England squad after a run of poor form.
Watkins has struggled for goals at Aston Villa this season, having scored just one in 13 Premier League appearances until this mid-week.
The Villans have shown interest in alternative forward signings as a result, with Igor Thiago of Brentford recently linked to Villa.
Things looked to have turned a corner after Watkins scored for Villa against Brighton to help Unai Emery’s side secure a comeback away victory.
Conversation continues to spiral around Watkins, especially after Thomas Tuchel dumped him from his last England camp.
David Ornstein reveals Ollie Watkins dream amid Arsenal links
Watkins has been linked with an Arsenal move over the past 12 months as the Gunners continued to struggle in that department.
Interest cooled off over the summer when Viktor Gyokeres moved to the Emirates after a number of stellar campaigns with Sporting Lisbon and Coventry City.
The Villa number 11 has struggled ever since, seemingly missing out on a move to the club he supports, but he looked to be back to his best against Brighton.
Watkins netted a scrappy first before bringing the away side level with a well-taken second, inspiring the Villans to secure a 4-3 win at the Amex.
That wasn’t lost on Darren Bent live on talkSPORT as he questioned whether the forward could earn his place in the England squad if he continues that level of form.
He said: “Someone who was back to his best [against Brighton] was Ollie Watkins. I’m sure being left out of the last squad after scoring in the squad before would hurt him. Where do you think he is in the mix? Do you think he will be on the plane?“
David Ornstein showed full respect for Watkins, while also revealing information about his ambition before an Arsenal move fell through.
The journalist replied: “I love what Ollie Watkins did in the EUROs semi-final, he got England to the final with that late goal. He goes through periods where he’s an absolute clear option as a number nine, bang up competition for Harry Kane.
“I think a year ago, when he was being linked with Arsenal, and they considered signing him, I understand he had his sights set on being England’s number nine at the World Cup.
“What we saw against Brighton was incredibly encouraging for England and, of course, for Villa, who are flying. If that continues, he absolutely goes to the World Cup.“
Watkins must maintain Aston Villa form to earn England spot
Tuchel has proven that he has no loyalty to the Villa man and is willing to axe him entirely if his form doesn’t match expectations.
That may prove to be the reality check that the 29-year-old needed, although it wasn’t on show until the Villans faced off against Brighton.
Watkins looked much improved against the Seagulls and appeared to be closer to his devastating best, but he has to keep that going from now until the end of the season.
He could be the man to fire Villa back into the Champions League and then massively help Tuchel to potential World Cup glory in America this summer.
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