It was a game to forget for England against Brazil on Saturday, leaving Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins frustrated.
With Harry Kane out injured and Euro 2024 around the corner, this was Ollie Watkins’ chance to shine.
Ivan Toney was watching on from the bench and in a clear battle with the former Brentford player for that final Euro 2024 spot.
In the past, Gareth Southgate has always selected one bonafide striker behind Harry Kane, and you suspect he will do it again this summer.
That’s why, when Ollie Watkins left the Wembley pitch without doing much against Brazil, it resulted in those from the outside questioning whether he should be the one to be Harry Kane’s back-up, of course, it’s far from the truth.
Jeff Stelling was sure to defend the Aston Villa striker by claiming that the negativity towards him is ‘really harsh’, as he told talkSPORT.
Apart from one half-chance in the first half, there was very little service to the striker, even though the likes of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham were on the pitch.
If this was a case of Ollie Watkins missing chance after chance, then fair enough, but it was far from it.
Negativity towards Ollie Watkins after England’s defeat to Brazil
“Ollie Watkins has come in for some negativity,” said Stelling.
“He was given no opportunity really. One half chance and that was it. It’s really harsh to write him off on the basis of that.”
Aston Villa form
Watkins can return to Villa and do what he does best, scoring goals and providing assists.
There is every chance Unai Emery guides the team to the Champions League and the Europa Conference League title.
If that happens, then Watkins is sure to win Villa’s Player of the Season, as well as get nominated for the PFA of the Year award.
Perhaps then, Southgate and co can decide to take a player like Toney, who through his own fault was banned for several months and isn’t anywhere near the form since he returned.
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