Watkins gives Tuchel timely reminder as World Cup hopes still alive

Ollie Watkins is not in Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad, leaving his World Cup hopes in the balance - but scoring for Aston Villa on Sunday might change that.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Ollie Watkins, the Aston Villa forward, was left out of Thomas Tuchel's latest 35-man England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. Watkins' recent form has been underwhelming, with just one goal in his past nine Premier League matches. However, Watkins showed Tuchel what he is missing with a goal and a constant threat in Villa's 2-0 win against West Ham on Sunday. Watkins knows he is running out of time to impress the England boss and is determined to regain his form to secure a spot in the World Cup squad.

Why it matters

Watkins has deputized for England captain Harry Kane before and done a good job, but his lack of game time under Tuchel means his spot in the World Cup squad is not guaranteed. Tuchel has made it clear he is prepared to be brutal by leaving out big players, and this training camp is the "last opportunity for players to compete for their ticket" to the World Cup.

The details

Watkins was left out of the expanded 35-man England squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, having scored just one goal in his past nine Premier League matches. Against West Ham, Watkins showed Tuchel just what he is missing as he ended a six-match goal drought in the league, providing a constant threat and being unlucky not to find the net with more of his five efforts. However, in contrast to last season's tally of 17 goals and 14 assists, Watkins' 10 goals and two assists in all competitions this campaign look meagre.

  • Watkins was injured for most of England's World Cup qualifying campaign and has played just once under the German manager - coming on as a substitute in the win over Serbia in September.
  • Tuchel has made it clear this training camp is the "last opportunity for players to compete for their ticket" to the World Cup.

The players

Ollie Watkins

A 30-year-old forward for Aston Villa who is hoping to secure a spot in the England squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel

The manager of the England national team, who has left Watkins out of his latest squad.

Harry Kane

The captain of the England national team, who is expected to be the first-choice striker for the World Cup.

Dominic Solanke

A forward for Tottenham Hotspur who has been included in Tuchel's latest England squad.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

A forward for Leeds United who has also been included in Tuchel's latest England squad.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone wants to play for their country but I expected that because my form has not been that great. I know what I can do and when I put on an England shirt I feel like I have always performed well.”

— Ollie Watkins

“One thing with Watkins you can always rely on is his endeavour and his willingness to keep running the channels and keep doing the right things for the team. That's a huge thing that Tuchel will keep an eye on. I don't think he's completely out of it yet.”

— Danny Murphy, Former Liverpool midfielder

“Tuchel will use these two games to give all these players some minutes and if they are disappointing that could bring Watkins back into the frame. I am surprised he isn't in the squad because - having worked with him - when he is consistent and firing, he is more than good enough for England.”

— Steven Gerrard, Former Liverpool midfielder

“Tuchel knows him pretty well and he's seen a bit of him already, so maybe not everybody who's left out [of the England squad] is completely out of his thoughts. Goals between now and the end of the season could easily get Watkins back in Tuchel's thoughts. I think that'll be a big relief for him to get back scoring and he's still got a lot of time to get his form right back up there because we know how good he is. All is not lost for him.”

— Danny Murphy, Former Liverpool midfielder

“He is a fighter. He is always doing his tasks and I am always delighted with him. Then it's numbers. Today he scored, but he must be consistent in his mentality to do his tasks and get his numbers. To be in the national team is something every player wants, but he must continue working and give the coach trouble [picking] for the next World Cup.”

— Unai Emery, Aston Villa manager

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.