England Benefits From Versatile Striking Options For World Cup

Ollie Watkins says England will benefit from having different types of strikers available for Thomas Tuchel at the World Cup, with competition behind captain Harry Kane sharpening options in attack as the Three Lions prepare for their Group L campaign in June.

Kane remains the main centre-forward and first choice, yet several players pushed hard for reserve roles. Brighton forward Danny Welbeck hit 13 Premier League goals in 2025-26, while Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored 14, but neither forward was ultimately included in Tuchel’s final 26-player squad.

Watkins instead travelled as one of Kane’s deputies, alongside Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney. Watkins finished as the top English scorer in the Premier League with 16 goals and registered 21 in all competitions as Aston Villa lifted the Europa League, while Toney struck 32 times in 32 Saudi Pro League matches.

Toney’s domestic tally was bettered only by Julian Quinones, who scored 33 league goals, with Cristiano Ronaldo finishing four behind Toney. Watkins is viewed as a major threat with runs behind defences, whereas Toney is considered more of a classic penalty-box number nine, with a strong record from the spot.

“I think it’s good, me and Ivan are different players, and you need that. You need to have versatility. At the end of the day, Ivan’s a proven goalscorer, he’s shown it throughout all his career. Even in the last Euros, there were times when he came on when the team needed him, and then I had my moment, obviously, in the semi-final as well. I think it’s amazing that we’ve got Ivan here as he’s a clinical goalscorer.”

The Aston Villa forward featured in England’s latest training sessions before the tournament, with the national team highlighting Watkins’ work in camp.

Watkins’ inclusion had appeared uncertain earlier in the year. An injury ruled Watkins out of England’s March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, raising doubts about tournament selection, yet Watkins feels that spell away from international duty actually helped build rhythm and confidence with Aston Villa.

“To be fair, before the March camp, I had started to pick up form. I scored an important goal and had some big performances against Lille in the [Europa League] round of 16, Watkins said. So my form was starting to pick up, and I think it was a blessing in disguise. Sometimes, when something gets taken away from you, you realise how important it is, and it gives you that fire in your belly to come back and show people what you can do. I think everything that I had pictured and imagined is coming into play.Physically, I’m the best I’ve ever been, and obviously my form in front of goal is really good at the moment, so I’m feeling really strong.”

England begin their World Cup schedule in Group L with three fixtures in June, facing Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the opening phase of the tournament.

{TABLE_1}

With Kane established as captain, and Toney offering penalty expertise and aerial presence, Watkins’ pace, current scoring form and confidence give Tuchel further flexibility in attack as England look to manage different opponents and game states through the World Cup group stage and beyond.