Express & Star

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins eager to taste more success

Ollie Watkins admits scoring on his debut England goal has made him hungry for more international success.

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The Villa striker is eager to kick on and begin establishing himself in the Three Lions set-up following the ‘dream’ of netting against San Marino on Thursday night.

Watkins knows there is still plenty of hard work ahead if he is to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s plans long-term but is aiming high.

He said: “This is my first camp and I can’t say I am an England player. I only have one cap.

“But I feel like I deserve to be here. I am enjoying playing with top quality players.

“You look around and there are elite athletes at the top of their game and I aspire to be like them. I feel like I am holding my own here.”

Watkins’ debut goal was hailed a ‘fairytale’ by Southgate, with the Villa man completing a journey which has seen him rise from non-league and into the international arena.

His substitute cameo also won praise from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Everton striker who started Thursday’s game and scored twice himself before being replaced by Watkins off the bench.

Calvert-Lewin said: “Ollie has been really sharp. He is a nice lad. This is the first time I have come across him and I know what it feels like to step into the squad.

“The feeling he will have now, having scored on his debut, is something he will have always dreamed of. He came into the dressing room a little bit later than everyone else and we all gave him a clap. I am very happy for him.”

England continue their World Cup qualifying campaign tomorrow evening away to Albania.

Watkins’ Villa team-mate Wesley, meanwhile, yesterday took another step on the road to recovery from long-term injury by playing 45 minutes in a practice match against Albion at Bodymoor Heath.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined since suffering knee ligament damage against Burnley 15 months ago.