Aston Villa fans will love what Gareth Southgate said to Ollie Watkins when he arrived for England duty
Ollie Watkins has been a man on fire this season with Aston Villa, and England manager Gareth Southgate is seemingly pleased with the striker’s form.
The Three Lions boss has been seen lauding the 27-year-old attacker after Watkins arrived for England duty last night, with Southgate saying: “You’re flying you, boy! Flying!”
With Watkins now a firm regular in the England set-up and a good deputy to Harry Kane, Southgate’s praise will be most welcome by Villa supporters, who have been on cloud nine all season.
As well as Watkins this international break, news broke this week that Ezri Konsa had been called into the Three Lions squad following an injury to Brighton & Hove Albion star Lewis Dunk.
Indeed, it has been a sensational campaign for Villa, with Unai Emery leading the Birmingham-based side into top-four contention in the Premier League heading into this international break,
And Watkins’ form has been key to this run, with the former Brentford striker bagging an impressive 11 goals and five assists in all competitions this season.
Whilst Kane is the undisputed leading man for England, Watkins is a dream backup option for the Bayern Munich superstar, and the Villa man will want to make an impact with the Three Lions.
With the Euros coming up, Watkins already feels he’s earnt a guaranteed spot on the plane to Germany for next summer’s competition, one that England will fancy themselves to win.
However, the Villa star needs to put in the work for England when given the chance, and considering the opposition the Three Lions face this month, Watkins could be given back-to-back starts.
With 11 goals already this season, Watkins will want to take his chance with both hands this month, and Southgate’s comments to the striker hint at a manager who is pleased with what he has seen this year.
