In better form than Kane - why Watkins is no longer being 'written off'

Breaking news from the world of sport: In better form than Kane - why Watkins is no longer being 'written off' Figure caption, Aston Villa secure Champions League spot in win over LiverpoolByJess AndersonBBC Sport journalistPublished1 minute agoTwo months ago Ollie Watkins was in a rough patch. Out of form, struggling for goals and left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the March international break, his chances of playing for the Three Lions at this summer's World Cup looked in serious doubt. But, one month out from the tournament in North America, the striker has rediscovered his stride and his current form surely makes it difficult for him to be left out of Tuchel's World Cup squad.

Watkins' latest exploits, two goals in a 4-2 thrashing of Liverpool as Aston Villa booked their place in next year's Champions League, make him the current most in-form English striker. Even ahead of Harry Kane. "I wish he was Scottish!

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" said Villa captain John McGinn. "He was obviously disappointed in March but if it gave him a kick up the backside and he's certainly responded in the best way. "We're so fortunate to have him, what he's done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible.

I think he may have just snuck his way onto that plane. "Watkins has 'fire in the belly'Watkins has scored 12 Premier League goals this season - not his greatest yield in a Villa shirt - but nine of those have come since he was left out of the March international camp. Across all competitions, that number goes up to 11 - Kane has scored 10 in the same period - with his form extending to Villa's run to the Europa League final.

His omission from that England squad has lit a fire in Watkins that perhaps would not have been there had he been included. "I had a slow start to the season, picking up a few niggles on international duty and then being left out of the England squad," he said. "I think it gave me that fire in my belly to come back and prove to people what I can do.

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A lot of people had written me off this season and I use that as motivation to show them that I can be back to my best - scoring and helping the team. "Against Liverpool, he was unplayable at times as he continuously took advantage of their high line and found the space to run in behind. He expressed disappointment after the win at not adding to his two-goal tally having had one goal chalked off for offside but his constant desire to get into goalscoring positions left the Reds faltering.

The icing on the cake for Watkins would be a performance like this one against against Freiburg in Istanbul on Wednesday, where Villa will look to win their first major trophy in 30 years. 'Relentless' Watkins has 'got to be on the plane'Since the last international break, no player has scored more Premier League goals than Watkins' nine. Manchester City's Erling Haaland is second on that list with seven, while Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White is the next best English player on five.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.