Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is set to be named in the England World Cup squad on Friday after privately impressing manager Thomas Tuchel. The England boss will announce his 26-man squad on Friday, and the choice of centre-forward to accompany captain Harry Kane has been a hot topic of debate in recent months.
Kane, England's record goalscorer, is the first name on the team sheet when fit, but Euro 2024 showed the Three Lions need a Plan B. At that tournament, Watkins and Ivan Toney were the backup options, with Watkins scoring a memorable semi-final winner against the Netherlands.
Watkins was left out of England's last squad in March as Tuchel assessed Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, his response has been brilliant. The 30-year-old has scored nine goals since his omission, including four in his last three games. Tuchel was at Villa Park on Friday to see Watkins torment Liverpool defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Tuchel has been privately impressed with Watkins's attitude and determination to prove he deserves a place in the finals. With Tuchel considering three centre-forwards, including penalty specialist Toney, Watkins looks set to make the cut. Previously, some England managers took only two traditional forwards in 23-man squads, but the larger group for the 48-team tournament in challenging conditions allows more scope.
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck has been mentioned by Tuchel but has not made a squad under the German. Solanke has struggled with injuries again, while Calvert-Lewin, who has impressed at Leeds this term, left the last camp after one game. Morgan Rogers is certain to be in the squad unless he picks up an injury in Villa's final two matches.
