Ollie Watkins' Resurgence Makes Him Indispensable for England's World Cup Squad

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has dramatically revived his form just weeks before the 2026 World Cup, silencing critics who had written him off after his exclusion from England's March international squad. Following a rough patch earlier in the season, Watkins has scored nine Premier League goals since being left out by manager Thomas Tuchel, including a decisive two-goal performance in a 4-2 victory over Liverpool that secured Villa's Champions League qualification. This surge places him ahead of captain Harry Kane in recent scoring metrics, with 11 goals across all competitions in the same period compared to Kane's 10. Teammates and pundits argue that Watkins' omission sparked a motivational fire, making him the most in-form English striker currently available. While Harry Kane remains the likely starter, Watkins' relentless recent performances have strengthened his claim for the primary backup role ahead of competitors like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Welbeck. With Villa also reaching the Europa League final, Watkins' confidence is peaking at the perfect time, making his inclusion in Tuchel's final World Cup squad for the tournament in North America virtually certain.