Ollie Watkins was England’s super sub when they beat the Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, and the Aston Villa striker wants to make a similar impact at this summer’s World Cup

Ollie Watkins insists every member of England’s squad is “crucial” for their World Cup campaign. England boss Thomas Tuchel has made it clear he wants to rely on “finishers” in games and therefore substitutes have never been more important.

Aston Villa striker Watkins knows he is behind Harry Kane in the pecking order, but he was also the last-gasp hero at Euro 2024 when he grabbed the dramatic winner to beat the Netherlands and get England into the final.

Tuchel threw on substitutes against Croatia with Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers all coming on to help win the game. Watkins said: “I think everyone is crucial in this squad.

“The squad that we have and the players coming off the bench, I was really excited, 60, 70 minutes and he was changing the whole front three. He brought on Rashy, Bukayo and Morgan and then threw in Djed Spence at the end as well.

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“Bringing on pacey players that just want to run forward, score more goals and it’s exciting. Everyone’s got a big part to play.”

Watkins paid tribute to England captain Kane, but says he can offer something different when needed. “I think with H, his performances speak for themselves, his goal record speaks for itself and he’s very unique in the way that he plays,” said Watkins.

“He’s very intelligent and I can’t play like him. I stick to what I can do, so I don’t try to copy him or do anything like that. I stick to my strengths really.”

Watkins also appeared to suggest that Saka trained ahead of England’s game with Ghana in Boston on Tuesday which is a major boost. Saka sat out training on Saturday to do his own programme.

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Watkins added: “He hasn’t missed a day of training so that’s a good thing. He’s a top quality player and he brings quality to the pitch for Arsenal and England as everyone can see.

“Managing niggles is very important for a major tournament. I’ve only played with him a handful of times and I feel he always makes the right decision. That’s the hardest thing to do in football.”

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