For years, the conversation surrounding England’s center-forward position has been a monologue dominated by Harry Kane. While the captain’s brilliance is undisputed, the search for a complementary partner—or a viable alternative—has often felt like a revolving door of disappointment. However, the current trajectory of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins suggests that the narrative is finally shifting.
Recent data indicates a surge in productivity that makes a compelling case for Ollie Watkins in better form than Harry Kane in terms of immediate Premier League impact. Since the last international break, Watkins has outpaced every other forward in the English top flight, netting nine goals. To put that in perspective, even Erling Haaland, the league’s most feared marksman, trailed him with seven goals in the same window.
This isn’t merely a hot streak; it is a statement of intent. For a player who was occasionally viewed as a secondary option or “written off” during lean patches of his early career, Watkins has evolved into a relentless offensive force. His ability to find the net has transformed him from a promising talent into the most in-form English striker currently playing on home soil.
The numbers behind the surge
The sheer volume of Watkins’ output has forced a re-evaluation of the England striking hierarchy. While the primary goal for most contenders is securing the number one backup spot behind Kane, Watkins is providing the kind of statistical evidence that makes him hard to ignore. His 19 goals across all competitions this season place him significantly ahead of other domestic rivals.
The competition for the supporting role is varied, ranging from veteran returns to overseas ventures. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who returned to the England setup in March after a five-year absence, and Danny Welbeck, whose last appearance for the Three Lions dates back to 2018, both trail Watkins by five goals in total output.
| Player | Total Goals (All Comps) | Key Context |
|---|---|---|
| Ollie Watkins | 19 | Leading PL scorer since last break |
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | 14 | Returned to England squad in March |
| Danny Welbeck | 14 | Last cap recorded in 2018 |
Meanwhile, Ivan Toney continues to show prolific form with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. While Toney’s numbers remain impressive, the disparity in competition levels between the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League creates a natural gap in how managers weigh these statistics when preparing for a World Cup.
A tactical alternative to Harry Kane
The argument for Watkins isn’t just about the quantity of goals, but the quality of his movement. Harry Kane operates as a complete forward, often dropping deep to orchestrate play, which can sometimes leave the penalty area vacant. Watkins offers a distinct tactical contrast: he is a vertical threat who stretches defenses and thrives on the shoulder of the last defender.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie highlighted this distinction during a recent appearance on Sky Sports, arguing that Watkins provides a profile that the England squad currently lacks. “He’s got to be on the plane,” Hendrie said, noting that the striker has seen a “massive turning of the corner” since previous omissions from the squad.
Hendrie emphasized that Watkins is a “totally different player to Harry Kane,” providing a dynamic that allows a manager to change the tempo of a game without sacrificing clinical finishing. This versatility is critical for a tournament setting, where the ability to pivot from a possession-based game to a high-tempo counter-attack can be the difference between a group stage exit and a trophy.
Overcoming the ‘written off’ narrative
The journey to this peak has not been linear. Watkins has spent much of his career fighting the perception that he was a “streaky” scorer—someone capable of brilliance but prone to droughts. That label has long hindered his ability to cement a permanent place in the national team’s starting XI.
However, his current consistency at Aston Villa suggests a psychological and technical evolution. By combining his natural pace with a more refined sense of positioning, he has moved past the inconsistencies of his youth. He is no longer just a player who can contribute to a goal; he is the player the team relies upon to finish the move.
This evolution is particularly evident in his work rate. Unlike traditional poachers, Watkins’ willingness to press from the front aligns perfectly with the modern high-intensity game. This defensive contribution makes him an asset not just in the final third, but as the first line of defense, a trait highly valued by the England coaching staff.
The road to the World Cup
As the selection process for the upcoming World Cup intensifies, the pressure on the coaching staff to reward form over reputation will grow. While Kane remains the undisputed starter, the battle for the remaining slots is no longer a foregone conclusion. With Morgan Gibbs-White also showing strong form for Nottingham Forest—scoring five goals since the last break—the pool of English attacking talent is deeper than it has been in years.
For Watkins, the objective is clear: maintain the clinical edge that has seen him outscore the best in the world over the last few months. If he continues to operate at this level, the debate will shift from whether he should be on the plane to how he can best be utilized alongside Kane.
The next official checkpoint for the national team will be the announcement of the squad for the upcoming international fixtures, where the coaching staff will likely signal their intentions regarding the striking rotation.
Do you think Ollie Watkins should start over Harry Kane in certain tactical setups? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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