It has been a long time coming, but it was fully deserved for Ollie Watkins.
After the Aston Villa striker was rewarded with a recall to England’s squad, he earned his first start against Australia on Friday night.
And in typical fashion, he scored the only goal of the game, assisted by none other than Jack Grealish, as Gareth Southgate’s side picked up a friendly win.
Ollie Watkins himself had the biggest smile on his face as he was applauded off the pitch in the second half and that smile didn’t go away once he posted a message to fans on Instagram.
This is deserved for a player who has regained the form he showed during his first season at Villa when Dean Smith brought him to the club.
Now it’s a case of keeping that spot because there is some serious competition about, with Watkins sending the following message to fans via his IG:
Watkins on England goal
‘Always amazing and a privilege to put on this shirt! Thank you Wembley,” said Watkins.
Now for Euro 2024…
That’s the main aim and the biggest goal. If Watkins is hitting this type of form heading into the Euros, then he will be in with a serious chance of earning that golden ticket.
Everyone acknowledges that Harry Kane is the main guy up top, but he needs cover and it seems as though Southgate will only pick one extra striker.
It wasn’t so long ago when Ivan Toney was the one in the spotlight, but he has since been banned and will return in January.
Then there is Newcastle United hitman Callum Wilson. Perhaps the biggest threat to Watkins’ place currently because he was called up during the previous international break and he is the only one playing Champions League football.
Either way, all Watkins can do is aim for double figures in the Premier League and push the team towards glory in the Europa Conference League and then the rest will take care of itself.
