‘This is why Ollie Watkins is ahead of Calvert-Lewin for England spot at World Cup’ – Jamie O’Hara
The debate over which striker should be behind Harry Kane for England at the World Cup is raging.
Aston Villa beat Chelsea 2-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Ollie Watkins back to his very best.
Emi Martinez was criticised for his role in Joao Pedro’s opening goal, but a second-half double from Watkins handed Villa all three points yet again.
Watkins had been coming under criticism over his form for Aston Villa before the Chelsea clash, but his heroics off the bench sent a clear reminder that he’s still a top-class striker.
Jamie O’Hara backing Ollie Watkins for England World Cup role
With 2026 being a World Cup year, conversations about Watkins‘ performance against Chelsea have naturally evolved into discussions over his England future.
Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks to be his main threat for the back-up role behind Harry Kane, as the 28-year-old is in the midst of a six-game scoring run in the Premier League.
However, speaking on Sky Sports News on Monday, Jamie O’Hara is still confident that Watkins will be the second in command behind Kane by the time the World Cup begins.
“Yeah, I think so,” said O’Hara when asked if Watkins was the favourite for the number two striker role for the Three Lions.
“Just because he’s proven. He’s done it for England in the past. He scored a massive goal (against the Netherlands in Euro 2024) that got us to the final.
“I think you can hang your hat on him to score goals in certain games. Harry Kane, if you’re going to do something different, if Kane gets tired or picks up a knock, Watkins is a different type of player. He can play off the shoulder, and he can make runs in behind.
“So, I think Watkins still, for me, is favourite. But look, he’s got to keep on scoring, he’s got to keep doing the business and make things happen, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been superb.”
Watkins has surely won back starting role – but he must do more to keep it
Unai Emery decided to drop Watkins and hand Donyell Malen his first Premier League start since 30 November against Chelsea.
It didn’t work, and he was replaced just before the hour mark for Watkins, who went on to win Aston Villa the game.
- Watkins was 4/4 for shots on target against Chelsea
- He completed 2/3 of his dribbles at Stamford Bridge
- Watkins has now scored five goals and registered one assist in 18 Premier League appearances
However, Watkins can’t afford to rest on his laurels, as Emery has shown that he’s willing to drop his number 11 even in a massive game against Chelsea.
Watkins must now kick on in the second half of the campaign, as Calvert-Lewin is in the form of his life at the moment, and reverting back to his misfiring performances that we’ve seen for the majority of this season will likely cost him his England place.
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