Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins' England spot at risk after behind-closed-doors scenes - view

Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins may see any chance of a World Cup opportunity with England drift away.

The 30-year-old is featuring for the first time at the showpiece tournament after missing out in 2022.

He didn't play a part in the opening day win over Croatia as goals from Harry Kane (two), Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford sealed victory.

The Villa man watched from the bench for the full 90, while B6 teammate Morgan Rogers picked up 18 minutes.

Watkins will hope that his opportunity will eventually come, but that isn't looking likely at this stage.

With England playing a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday, he may have been surpassed in the pecking order.

Ollie Watkins overshadowed in England friendly behind closed doors

It is always important for national camps to maintain fitness levels throughout an international tournament.

That is especially the case in North America due to the longer gap between group-stage games.

The Three Lions face a six-day wait between their first and second fixture, so maintaining match sharpness is paramount.

That has seen England feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday against MLS side Sporting Kansas City.

Watkins got on the scoresheet as part of that, as did Rogers, but it was ultimately overshadowed by Ivan Toney.

The Al Ahli striker bagged a hattrick in a 5-1 win and that could cement his place as second choice behind Kane for Thomas Tuchel.

Ivan Toney could be Harry Kane deputy despite Watkins' Aston Villa form

There has been plenty of discourse surrounding the Villa man, but his end of season form was superb.

He completed the campaign with 21 goals and five assists to his name, with 19 goal involvements coming in the Premier League.

He overperformed his 15.14 expected goal tally and also created 23 chances for his teammates.

His 116 duels also appears to be positive, but the work of Toney in Saudi Arabia may turn Tuchel's head.

The ex-Brentford man scored 32 and assisted seven in the Saudi Pro League this season and clocked up a stunning 27.64 expected goals in that time.

He doesn't create as much as Watkins with just 25 chances made throughout the campaign, but his goalscoring exploits won't go ignored.

Having bagged a hat-trick in a friendly, that second choice spot behind Kane may be his to lose.