Watkins credits Tuchel snub as the spark behind his World Cup call-up

Ollie Watkins has credited his omission from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in March as the catalyst for the form that ultimately earned him a place at this summer’s World Cup in the United States.

The Aston Villa striker was left out for England’s final two friendlies before the tournament, a decision that appeared to end his chances of making the plane. Instead, Watkins responded by scoring six goals in his last five club appearances, forcing Tuchel’s hand.

“Sometimes when something gets taken away from you, you realise how important it is and it puts fire in your belly,” Watkins said, speaking at England’s training base in Florida. “It was a blessing in disguise. It was a case of proving to myself what I could do.”

Watkins had already been finding his rhythm before the March camp, contributing to Aston Villa’s Europa League run — including a goal against Lille — but acknowledged the snub sharpened his focus. “The manager always had faith in me,” he added. “So it is nice I could repay him with the performances and goals and to show I deserved to be here.”

The 29-year-old arrives at the World Cup on the back of one of the most significant moments in Aston Villa’s recent history. Villa won the Europa League final, delivering the club’s first major trophy in 44 years, and Watkins says that success has given the entire squad an extra edge heading into the tournament.

“The club brought back a trophy for the first time in 44 years,” he said. “There is nothing better to come into the England camp on the back of a strong end to the season. It has given us a boost going into this competition.”

Watkins also spoke about his physical condition, insisting he is in the best shape of his career. “I feel like, physically, I am the best I have ever been and my form in front of goal is really good at the moment,” he said. “Everyone has got a part to play in this competition whether it is early stages or latter stages.”

For a striker who looked to be on the outside looking in just two months ago, Watkins heads into the World Cup with momentum, confidence, and a point to prove on the biggest stage of all.