Watkins defends Doku's right to leave World Cup for birth of first child

Ollie Watkins has firmly defended Jeremy Doku’s intention to leave the 2026 World Cup to be present at the birth of his first child, saying the Manchester City winger has “all the right” to prioritise his family — and that he would make the same choice himself.

The England and Aston Villa striker spoke out on Sunday in response to comments made by L’Equipe TV presenter France Pierron, who had described childbirth as a “disgusting moment… where the dad is completely useless” and expressed outrage at Doku’s potential decision to step away from the tournament.

“I think for a start, ‘disgusting’ is not a way to label a birth,” Watkins said, rejecting Pierron’s characterisation outright. “It only happens once, your first child. Welcoming them into the world is a blessing, and you don’t get that opportunity again.”

A father of two himself, the 30-year-old drew on his own experience of the demands professional football places on family life. “There’s a lot of times where you’re away from family and friends during the season, and it’s very difficult periods. So, to miss that would be tough.”

Watkins also argued that footballers must retain the autonomy to make personal decisions at significant life moments. “I don’t think it’s anyone else’s business. I think if he goes back and does that, that’s fair enough. I would want to do it. I don’t see the problem with it.”

Doku, 24, featured for 86 minutes in Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt and had already indicated his intention to be present at the birth. He told reporters that his wife Shireen is due to give birth in the second week of July, which coincides with the World Cup’s quarter-final stage. “It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” Doku said. Belgian media reported that a private plane to England, where the birth is expected to take place, is likely to be arranged.

Watkins suggested Doku’s resources would help him minimise any absence from the squad. “I’m sure he will have a lot of support to be able to get there as quickly as possible, make sure he’s there to support her, and then fly back out.”

Pierron has since issued a public apology following significant backlash on social media over her original remarks.