Ollie Watkins 'disappointed' by England omission but vows 'to do talking on the pitch' ahead of World Cup bid as he looks to make squad

Watkins scored again against Bologna on Thursday as Aston Villa booked their spot in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with ease, adding to the brace he netted in the first leg.

The striker has admitted that he was "disappointed" to be omitted from the latest England squad, but he is determined to make his case "on the pitch" as he eyes a Premier League landmark.

Watkins, who has had a dry spell in front of goal for much of the season, was not called up by Tuchel for the March international break, which was the last before the squad is named for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the summer.

Asked what he needs to do from now until the end of the season if he is to force his way into Tuchel's plans, Watkins' reply was simple: "Just keep scoring goals."

He added to TNT Sports: "That’s all I can do. I was disappointed not to be in the previous squad, but yeah, I can understand his [Tuchel's] reasons for not picking me.

"I just have to do my talking on the pitch and keep performing well and then score as many as I can come the end of the season."

TNT Sports expert and former Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov was fully behind the argument to take Watkins to the World Cup, because he can "offer something completely different" to other strikers.

"He should be [in the squad]," Petrov said.

"He can offer something completely different to other players. You've got the strength, you've got the speed, he can score goals.

"In a tournament like a World Cup, you'll need different players. I think if he continues in the same way, he won't have a problem travelling to the USA."

Petrov was in awe of Watkins' ability to bounce back from disappointment, with the 30-year-old having scored four goals in his last four games, while reaching the 100-goal mark for Villa.

"I love it," Petrov told TNT Sports. "I love him as a player, I know how hard he works, what ability he has, he's a big part of this team and you can see that the team trusts him.

"He gets in the right areas, the right positions, and do you know what? Having a striker who leads from the front is great, especially in the big moments and games like that."

Fellow TNT Sports pundit and ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart was just as impressed with Watkins and believes he is far from finished.

"Really, really pleased for him," Hart told TNT Sports. "Look at that, 100 goals, he should be so proud, but he's not finished, he's nowhere near finished. He wants more and more and more.

"Always setting goals, wants to be the main man for Aston Villa and people talk about underrated players, [Aston Villa manager] Unai Emery believes in him and that is the only man who needs to back him right now, because if he's backed, feeling good, scoring goals, the rest will take care of himself. It's great to see a smile on his face."

Villa face fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the last four of the UEFA Europa League.

Former Brentford striker Watkins surpassed the 100-goal mark for Villa with his effort against Bologna on Thursday, which was his 13th goal of the season in all competitions.

It has not been his best campaign in front of goal - far from it in fact - but he is determined to finish the season strongly as he closes in on 100 Premier League goals.

"It’s a milestone that everyone wants to hit, every striker wants to hit, scoring 100 goals," he told TNT Sports of his latest landmark.

"I think the next for me is 100 Premier League goals, that’s what I’ve got my eye on and it’s definitely achievable. It’s an amazing milestone."

Watkins is 16 goals shy of a century of top-flight goals, having scored 84 in 215 games since joining Villa in 2020.

He is just one goal away from matching the likes of Fernando Torres and Eden Hazard (85), while three more goals would see him tied with Dennis Bergkamp (87).

He will next get the chance to close the gap when Villa host Sunderland on Sunday, as Unai Emery's side continue their bid for UEFA Champions League qualification.

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