Watkins' 3 goals in 5 games force Tuchel to confront England's striker crisis

Ollie Watkins has scored three goals in his last five games after being dropped from England's March squad, including a crucial brace against Bologna that puts him squarely back in World Cup contention.

The 30-year-old Aston Villa striker had managed just one goal in his previous 12 appearances before this sudden burst of form. His response to Thomas Tuchel's rejection could not have come at a more critical moment for England, who face a genuine striker crisis heading into the summer tournament.

England's striker crisis is deeper than Tuchel admits

Tuchel claimed he "knows what Watkins can bring" when dropping him in March, but England's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan exposed the uncomfortable truth: without Harry Kane, England look toothless.

The German manager handed opportunities to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke in Kane's absence. Neither managed to make any impression whatsoever.

The numbers tell a damning story

Kane turns 32 this summer. He remains England's only proven goalscorer at international level, yet Tuchel's alternatives have consistently failed to deliver when given chances.

Watkins himself has played just once under the German manager, coming on as a substitute against Serbia in September. He was injured for most of England's World Cup qualifying campaign, limiting his opportunities to stake a claim.

If you score two goals in a European knockout tie, trust me your name is back in the mix. To be honest the boys didn't rip up trees the other day either, so if Watkins keeps scoring he will be in.

Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes Watkins has done enough to force his way back into contention. The timing could hardly be better.

Why Watkins' timing could define England's World Cup hopes

Watkins' brace against Bologna in the Europa League quarter-final showcased exactly what England have been missing. He pounced on a defensive error for his first, finishing coolly through the goalkeeper's legs, before adding a second in the 94th minute to restore Villa's two-goal cushion.

More than just goals

What makes Watkins particularly valuable to England is his versatility:

• He can run the channels and create space for others
• His pressing from the front disrupts opposition build-up
• He links play effectively with wingers and attacking midfielders
• His pace offers a different dimension to Kane's more static approach

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin noted the perfect timing of Watkins' resurgence.

It's good timing, isn't it? There is the possibility of the centre-forward position waiting with England at the World Cup... and here he is scoring two goals and looking very sharp and very lively indeed.

The psychological factor

Watkins described himself as "hungry" after the Bologna victory, telling TNT Sports he could have played another 90 minutes. This mental response to rejection contrasts sharply with other England forwards who have failed to seize their opportunities.

Villa manager Unai Emery recognised his striker's mentality, calling him "a fighter" who delivers when the team needs him most. With Villa chasing their first trophy in 30 years and Champions League qualification, Watkins has chosen the perfect moment to rediscover his scoring touch.

The betting implications: Is England's depth a genuine concern?

For those assessing England's World Cup 2026 chances, the striker situation presents a significant variable. England are among the tournament favourites, but their odds could be impacted by concerns over squad depth.

Key betting considerations

The market has yet to fully price in England's striker vulnerability:

• Kane's injury history becomes more relevant as he ages
• England's inability to score without Kane was starkly evident in March
• Watkins offers the only proven Premier League alternative currently in form
• Tournament football often requires tactical flexibility that England currently lack

Watkins has now scored three goals in his last three Europa League games, matching his total from the previous 24 European appearances. This European pedigree matters for tournament football.

The wider tournament picture

England's group stage opponents at World Cup 2026 will study the March friendlies closely. The inability to threaten without Kane presents an obvious tactical weakness for opposition managers to exploit.

If Watkins maintains his current trajectory, he offers Tuchel something none of the other alternatives provide: a striker actually scoring goals at the business end of the season. For England backers, his inclusion could be the difference between a squad with genuine depth and one dangerously reliant on a 32-year-old's fitness.

What happens next

Watkins has five more Premier League games and at least one more Europa League match to state his case before Tuchel names his final World Cup squad. Every goal strengthens his claim to be Kane's primary backup.

The World Cup begins in just over two months. Tuchel must decide whether to trust the striker he dropped in March or persist with alternatives who have repeatedly failed to deliver. Based on current form, that decision should be straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Ollie Watkins make England's World Cup 2026 squad?

Watkins' recent form makes him increasingly likely to be selected, having scored 3 goals in his last 5 games after being dropped in March. Thomas Tuchel needs a proven backup to Harry Kane, and Watkins is the only alternative striker currently scoring regularly. His Europa League performances have strengthened his case significantly.

Who are England's striker options for World Cup 2026?

Harry Kane remains England's first-choice striker at 32 years old. The backup options include Ollie Watkins, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Dominic Solanke, though neither Calvert-Lewin nor Solanke impressed in March friendlies. Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham are outside considerations if they find form.

When does England play at World Cup 2026?

England's World Cup 2026 campaign begins in June 2026, with the tournament running from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The exact fixture dates and opponents will be confirmed after the group stage draw, expected in late 2025.

How many goals has Watkins scored for England?

Ollie Watkins has limited international experience, having played just once under Thomas Tuchel as a substitute against Serbia in September 2024. He missed most of England's World Cup qualifying campaign through injury, which limited his opportunities to establish himself as Kane's regular backup.

Why did Tuchel drop Watkins from England's squad?

Tuchel dropped Watkins from the March 2025 squad after the striker scored just one goal in his previous 12 club appearances. The England manager claimed he "knows what Watkins can bring" but wanted to assess other options, giving chances to Calvert-Lewin and Solanke instead.

What are England's odds to win World Cup 2026?

England are among the favourites for World Cup 2026, though their odds could be affected by concerns over striker depth beyond Harry Kane. The team's inability to score without Kane in March friendlies has raised questions about whether they have sufficient attacking alternatives for a major tournament.

How important is Watkins to Aston Villa?

Watkins has scored 12 goals in 44 appearances for Aston Villa this season and remains crucial to their Champions League qualification hopes. Manager Unai Emery calls him "a fighter" who delivers in big moments, with his recent Europa League brace helping Villa reach the quarter-final stage.

Can England win the World Cup without a Kane backup?

England's March friendlies demonstrated they struggle badly without Harry Kane, failing to score against Uruguay and Japan. Tournament football requires squad depth and tactical flexibility, making a reliable Kane alternative essential. Without a proven backup striker, England's World Cup hopes would be severely compromised by any Kane injury or suspension.