Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has expressed his ambition to become England’s leading striker, potentially unseating current captain and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane. This declaration comes on the eve of a highly anticipated Champions League showdown between Aston Villa and Bayern Munich at Villa Park on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024.
Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa’s prolific forward, has been making waves in the Premier League with his impressive goal-scoring record. The 28-year-old striker’s recent form has catapulted him into the spotlight, prompting discussions about his role in the national team.
In an exclusive interview at Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground, Watkins revealed his aspirations: “Everyone is fighting for a position on the pitch, so I want to be the man to play day in, day out. I’m doing all I can to be on the pitch.”
Despite the competition for the coveted striker position, Watkins was quick to emphasize the positive relationship he shares with Harry Kane. “Harry and I have a good relationship. When I’m in the camp, I speak to him, so there’s no animosity,” Watkins explained.
The Villa forward also paid tribute to Kane’s achievements, stating, “He’s got the records and scored the number of goals he has for a reason. He’s put in a lot of hard work over the years to get there.
The upcoming Champions League match between Aston Villa and Bayern Munich adds an intriguing subplot to this striker saga. With both Watkins and Kane potentially facing off, the game presents a golden opportunity for Watkins to showcase his skills on the European stage.
However, Kane’s participation remains uncertain following an ankle injury sustained last weekend. Bayern Munich’s medical team is working around the clock to assess his fitness for the crucial match.
Villa manager Unai Emery commented on the significance of the fixture: “This is a chance for Ollie to prove himself against one of the best teams in Europe. His performances in these big games could certainly influence his standing in the national team.”
As interim England manager Lee Carsley prepares to announce his squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Greece and Finland, the striker position is under intense scrutiny.
Former England international and pundit Gary Lineker weighed in on the debate: “It’s a fantastic problem for England to have two in-form strikers. Watkins has been phenomenal for Villa, but Kane’s record speaks for itself. It’ll be a tough decision for Carsley.”
With the Nations League fixtures on the horizon and Euro 2024 looming large, the competition between Watkins and Kane is likely to intensify. Their performances in the coming months could prove crucial in determining England’s attacking lineup for these major tournaments.
As the football world eagerly anticipates Wednesday’s Champions League clash, all eyes will be on Ollie Watkins. A strong performance against Bayern Munich could significantly bolster his claim to lead England’s attack, potentially reshaping the national team’s striking options for years to come.
