Ollie Watkins has his best chance of getting minutes for England this season on the back of his form for Aston Villa, according to Ty Bracey.
The Telegraph reported on Saturday (23 March) that the Villa forward is expected to start for the Three Lions in the friendly against Brazil on Saturday as Harry Kane looks set to miss out through injury.
The 28-year-old will be looking to catch the eye of Gareth Southgate and show that he is capable of filling the void left by the England captain, having scored three goals in his previous nine games for his country.
Bracey believes Watkins deserves the opportunity after he’s been “outstanding” for Unai Emery’s side, while he also claimed his teammate Ezri Konsa is good enough to start for the national team.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, Bracey said: “If there is a season for Watkins to get minutes with England, it’s this one. He’s been outstanding and I really hope he does get more opportunities.
“He will be hoping to get the form going heading into the Euros. We’ve really got the talent there to win a trophy, I think it’s Southgate that’s holding us back.
We’ve got some generational talent. But now is the time, Kane isn’t going to be around for much longer.
Ezri Konsa also absolutely has the quality to start in that team. Whether or not he will is a completely different story.
“Call me biased, but he’s done more than enough to warrant a start in that England team. He’s so calm and composed on the ball, even when under pressure and playing out from the back.
“I’d love nothing more than to see him playing for England and I know that’s a dream for him, so hopefully he can capitalise on the opportunity. But he’s definitely good enough.”
Aston Villa stars looking to make England impression
This is the perfect time for Watkins and Konsa to make an impression for England due to the various injuries to first-team players.
It appears as though Watkins will get the chance from the start against Brazil, but whether or not his teammate will make his debut is anyone’s guess.
It would be surprising if Southgate wasn’t to hand Konsa an opportunity over the course of the next two games after he warmed the bench following his previous call-up in November.
