Ollie Watkins, the England and Aston Villa striker, has been ruled out of the national squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifier against Latvia due to injury sustained last week. The 29-year-old had collided
with the post in the first half of a friendly against Wales at Wembley Stadium in London before getting taken off, but until that time, he had scored a goal in England’s eventual 3-0 win.
Notably, Ollie Watkins was taken off at half-time in last week’s contest against Wales, but afterwards, England head coach Thomas Tuchel had remarked in the post-match interview that the striker was “ok”. Although, as per the report from BBC Sport, the Aston Villa man has returned to Villa Park after withdrawing from the England squad set for the trip to Riga to play against Latvia in the World Cup Qualifier at the Daugava Stadium on Tuesday, October 14.
Anthony Gordan could start for England in place of Ollie Watkins in central role
If England are able to defeat Latvia this week, then they will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with two matches to spare in their qualifying group. In the absence of Ollie Watkins, England could play Anthony Gordon in more of a central role in attack rather than the wing where he has made a big name for himself, especially after he did the same in the second half of the friendly against Wales.
Moreover, England captain Harry Kane, who missed the Wales friendly due to a fitness issue, is expected to be available for selection in the World Cup Qualifier against Latvia, as per the comments from Thomas Tuchel before the start of last week’s match.It could turn out to be the case since Harry Kane trained along with his England teammates at a training ground of Tottenham Hotspur earlier today.
