Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad selection has stirred up significant discussion among fans and pundits alike. A point of contention is the inclusion of Anthony Gordon, who has been called up despite nursing an injury sustained at Newcastle. Picture a betting slip where you take a risk on a long shot; that captures Gordon’s selection. He missed the Brentford match after limping off against Athletic Bilbao, yet Tuchel has opted to include him.
In contrast, Harvey Barnes, who stepped in against Brentford and scored, has been left out of the squad. It seems that Tuchel is sifting through player forms, overlooking those currently shining on the pitch.
Perhaps the most surprising omission is Ollie Watkins. Wayne Rooney admitted he was nearly astonished when he saw Watkins was not selected for the squad. For Tuchel, recent performance outweighs past reputation. Jude Bellingham is welcomed back with open arms, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott receives his first call-up, while Watkins, who usually features prominently for the Three Lions, finds himself sidelined.
A Closer Look at Ollie Watkins
Watkins has struggled this season, netting only once in sixteen appearances. His explosive start in the 2024/25 season has not been matched in recent outings. While meticulously analyzing each player’s statistics, Tuchel’s approach seems ruthless but fair: form must be prioritized.
Despite Aston Villa’s recent 4-0 victory over Bournemouth, which demonstrated Watkins’ potential, he was left out. During that match, Watkins showcased his relentless work ethic, creating opportunities but missing out on scoring himself. Players like Emi Buendia, Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, and Donyell Malen were the ones finding the back of the net. Rooney highlighted Watkins’ exceptional off-the-ball efforts, stating, “I’m slightly surprised Thomas Tuchel has left Ollie Watkins out of the England squad. He played very well, had a few chances, and his work rate was excellent.”
Aston Villa Under Unai Emery
The win against Bournemouth puts Aston Villa within a point of fourth-placed Sunderland, showcasing a revival under Unai Emery. The Spanish coach has mastered the art of managing the demanding Sunday-Thursday fixture schedule. His strategy involves wise rotation and timely rest for key players, allowing the team to capitalize when conditions are favorable.
Emery’s return to form seems to have rekindled the team’s confidence, and Rooney commends how their experience in the Europa League has strengthened their resolve.
Looking Ahead: International Break
With the international break upon us, Tuchel has time to ponder new selections. Fans hope that Watkins remains in the manager’s thoughts as he continues to prove his worth. The football world will be keenly watching how the England squad develops and what impact Tuchel’s selections will have in future matches.