Aston Villa: Ollie Watkins’ World Cup dream still alive as Thomas Tuchel evidence boosts hopes

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Watkins will play a crucial role in Villa’s push for the Champions League between now and the end of the season, and it is clear that the door is still ajar for him to force his way back into Tuchel’s plans. ⚽ Aston Villa Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Aston Villa fixture. VISIT THE VILLA MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES England displays show Thomas Tuchel has easy Ollie Watkins callWatkins has faced his fair share of criticism in 2025-26, but he has still been Villa’s biggest attacking threat, with nine Premier League goals to his name so far this term.

His lack of consistency has seen his position in the England pecking order called into question of late, but any doubts regarding where he stands should now have been erased after Tuchel’s latest evidence from the two recent friendlies. Tuchel may be no closer to deciding who his backup striker will be to take to North America, but he should now be clear that it won’t be Solanke or Calvert-Lewin.

Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and…— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 1, 2026 View Tweet If he can find form between now and the end of the season, then Tuchel will surely have no reason not to pick him as part of his final group. Welbeck and Watkins are surely now best-placed to serve as Kane’s understudy for the tournament, and Tuchel’s final call may come down to who displays the best form between now and the end of the season. 🦁 ASTON VILLA INSIDER UPDATE 🦁 Get the inside track on the Villa Park dugout, transfer strategy, player wages, and technical leadership at Bodymoor Heath.