Aston Villa striker Watkins on recent England snubs and World Cup hopes

Aston Villa striker Watkins on recent England snubs and World Cup hopes

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has spoken about being left out of recent England squads ahead of his club’s Europa League semi-final.

With the World Cup on the horizon, the forward was not selected in Thomas Tuchel’s last two England squads. Watkins scored a crucial goal to send England to the Euro 2024 final but might miss out on this summer’s major tournament.

“No one likes to be left out of the England squad,” the striker admitted. “It always gives you that fuel in your belly to prove what you can do and prove people wrong.

“I don’t think that was the case in that, I spoke to the England manager, but outside of that I was determined to show people what I can do and change my form around.

“I feel like since then I’ve done that. I’m going to keep pushing onwards and see where we are come the end of the season.”

After a slow start to the season, Watkins has found form in recent weeks. The striker has scored five goals in his last five, as Villa prepare to take on Nottingham Forest in the Europa League semi-final.

“I would say it’s not been the most plain sailing season,” he explained. “A few niggles and stuff like that. I’ve talked about that previously at the start of the season but I don’t want to keep rehashing that.

“I’m in a really good moment personally. And I feel like the team is doing really well at the moment as well.