Ollie Watkins Acknowledges Performance Slump as Thomas Tuchel Opts for Alternative Striking Options in 35-Man England Squad

Ollie Watkins admits his poor form led to his England squad snub as Thomas Tuchel tests Calvert-Lewin and Solanke ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 9:12 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from GOAL.com

The Reality of Form and International Selection Pressures

The rigorous standards of international football have caught up with one of England’s Euro 2024 heroes as the March international break approaches. According to Ollie Watkins, the decision by Thomas Tuchel to leave him out of the 35-man squad was not a surprise given his recent struggles in front of goal for Aston Villa. While Watkins has been a reliable servant for the Three Lions, netting six times in twenty appearances, he conceded that his performance levels throughout the current 2025-26 campaign did not warrant an automatic inclusion this time around.

Strategic Evaluation of Forward Depth Behind Harry Kane

Thomas Tuchel’s selection process appears focused on broadening the competitive pool for the center-forward position rather than relying on established names. The manager revealed that his preference for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke in this window stems from a desire to test their specific profiles in live match scenarios. According to Tuchel, the coaching staff already possesses a comprehensive understanding of what Watkins brings to the team, allowing them to utilize these friendlies to determine who is best suited to provide cover for Harry Kane in North America this summer.

The Long Road Back from Autumn Injury Setbacks

Physical durability has played a significant role in Watkins’ recent absence from the national setup, dating back to late 2025. After scoring against Wales in October, the striker was forced off with a knee injury that subsequently sidelined him for the November international camp. Although he has since returned to club action, the lingering effects of playing through discomfort appear to have hindered the explosive form he displayed during previous seasons. This current omission marks a full five months since his last appearance in an England shirt, increasing the pressure on his final domestic stretch.