Ollie Watkins' stunning form puts England World Cup spot in doubt for Kane

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has surged back into form with nine Premier League goals in his last eight games, overtaking Harry Kane as England's top-scoring striker this season.

Watkins bounces back from March snub Two months ago, Ollie Watkins was in difficult territory—struggling to find the net, sidelined by injuries during international duty, and shockingly left out of England's squad for the March break. With England's World Cup berth in North America just weeks away, those early struggles now seem like a distant memory. The striker has since rediscovered his sharpness, and his current performances make a compelling case for inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's squad. His latest showcase came with two goals in a dominant 4-2 victory over Liverpool, a result that secured Aston Villa's spot in next year's Champions League. ## Villa captain praises Watkins' resurgence Villa captain John McGinn couldn't hide his admiration for Watkins' dramatic turnaround. 'I wish he was Scottish!' McGinn joked, acknowledging the striker's recent struggles before the international exclusion. 'He was obviously disappointed in March, but if it gave him a kick up the backside, he’s responded in the best way.' McGinn emphasized the importance of Watkins to the team, adding that his contributions over the past few seasons have been extraordinary. 'I think he may have just snuck his way onto that plane,' he mused. ## Nine goals in eight games silences doubters Since being left out of the England camp in March, Watkins has been on a tear, netting nine Premier League goals in just eight appearances. Across all competitions, his tally rises to 11 goals—one more than Harry Kane's tally in the same span—and his form has extended to Villa's run to the Europa League final. The striker admitted his exclusion fueled a newfound hunger. 'I had a slow start to the season, picking up a few niggles on international duty and then being left out of the England squad,' he recalled. 'I think it gave me that fire in my belly to come back and prove to people what I can do.' ## Liverpool exposed as Watkins dominates Against Liverpool, Watkins was unstoppable at times, repeatedly exploiting their high defensive line to exploit space behind. Though frustrated one goal was ruled offside—costing him a hat-trick—his relentless movement kept the Reds on the back foot. His two goals in a 4-2 win showcased his predatory instincts, and Villa head into their Europa League final clash with Freiburg in Istanbul riding high on this performance. ## English strikers locked in World Cup battle Since the last international break, no player has scored more Premier League goals than Watkins' nine. Manchester City's Erling Haaland follows with seven, while Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White leads English players with five. Watkins' 19 goals in all competitions put him five clear of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Welbeck, who returned to the England fold after a five-year absence and whose last cap came in 2018, respectively. Former Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie argued Watkins' case emphatically. 'He’s got to be on the plane,' he stated. 'Since being left out we’ve just seen a massive turning of the corner. He’s been relentless in front of goal, he’s shown his capabilities. He’s a totally different player to Harry Kane and gives them something different.' ## Villa savor Champions League dream Aston Villa's season has transformed from sluggish to spectacular after a slow start that saw them go six matches without a Premier League win. The victory over Liverpool not only secured their Champions League spot for next year but also sets them up for a high-stakes Europa League final in Istanbul. Unai Emery reflected on the club's remarkable progress. 'To achieve it [Champions League] is amazing. We can now 100% focus on the final,' he said. 'We said at the start of the season that we wanted to be in Europe, to be in the Champions League. To compete in both competitions and being consistent is not easy—we had a fantastic season in the Premier League. I am so proud.' ## McGinn tips Villa as Europa League favourites Villa captain John McGinn believes his team enters next week's final as slight favourites but stressed the need for focus. 'It's what you dream of when you're young,' he said. 'You've got to enjoy it.' The last time Villa lifted a major trophy was the EFL Cup in 1996, while their sole European triumph came in the 1982 European Cup. With a Champions League place secured, the club now eyes a historic double, aiming to end a 30-year trophy drought in Istanbul.