Opinion: Ollie Watkins should be given a chance to start for England against Slovenia

Ollie Watkins is one of Exeter City’s best academy graduates to progress through the youth ranks at the club, and it’s safe to say that he’s gone on to bigger and better things since leaving the club in 2017. The forward netted 26 goals in 78 appearances for Exeter City’s first-team, and it appeared that his impressive showings in front of goal didn’t go unnoticed. 

He moved to Brentford in 2017, and didn’t let up with his goalscoring exploits, scoring 49 goals in 143 appearances, although he left the club after they were beaten in the Championship play-offs at Wembley. Watkins is now playing his football with Aston Villa, and has scored 70 goals in 169 appearances for Unai Emery’s side, which has ultimately seen him earn an England call-up. 

Watkins is part of Gareth Southgate’s side for Euro 2024, and will be looking to play his part for the Three Lions when called upon. The Aston Villa frontman didn’t feature in England’s opening game win over Serbia recently, but could potentially be in line to be involved for their final match of the group stage against Slovenia. If England were to beat Denmark in their second match of the tournament, then they could have the ideal opportunity to rest some of their key players for the knockout stages, which would include Harry Kane. This presents Watkins with a chance to feature for the Three Lions on the international stage in a major tournament, and given his strong run of form for his club throughout the 2023/24 season, you’d be brave to back against him getting on the scoresheet. 

It’s vital that Southgate doesn’t ‘burn out’ his key players, as that could prove pivotal in which country comes out on top at Euro 2024. The likes of Bellingham, Kane and Foden in particular have had lengthy seasons this term, and could benefit from a slight rest when the opportunity arises. 

There had previously been some debate over whether Kane should start against Denmark due to a quiet display from the Bayern Munich striker against Serbia, where he often kept coming deep into midfield to try and get a foot on the ball, with the Serbia defence often marking him out of the game. Watkins offers that pace in behind opposition defences though, and he’d have that advantage up against Drukusic and Bijol. 

The Slovenia side at Euro 2024 operate as a defensive four, which could play into England’s hands even further, with a potential attacking trio of Watkins, Saka, and Foden running at them. If the latter were to be rested as well, then the likes of Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer are also more than worthy replacements that are capable of staking their own claim for a starting spot in the knockout stages if England are to get there. 

Competition for places is never a bad dilemma to have as a manager, especially at major international tournaments, and it should be a no-brainer for Watkins to be given a run out in their final group stage match, especially if England have already secured top spot. If you’re a keen bettor, then bonuscodebets.co.uk have revealed to us that England are priced at 4/1 on bet365 to win Euro 2024, which could be tempting odds for punters, as Gareth Southgate has one of the strongest England squads we’ve seen compared to previous tournaments.