Ollie Watkins vows to bring 'something different' for England at World Cup

Villa star Ollie Watkins says he’s ready to play the role of super sub for England at the World Cup.

The striker scored his seventh goal for the Three Lions after coming off the bench in Wednesday’s final warm-up win over Costa Rica.

Watkins knows his role in Thomas Tuchel’s squad will largely involve substitute appearances behind first-choice forward Harry Kane.

But it is one he has excelled at before, scoring arguably the most famous goal of his career with a last-gasp semi-final against the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

Speaking to ITV, Watkins said: “I think everyone knows what I can do. I bring something different off the bench when the game opens up.

“We’ve got so many amazing players in the team that, come 60 or 70 minutes, if we need to freshen up the legs then we’ve got more than enough ability on the bench to change the game.”

The role of substitutes is likely to be key at a World Cup where the weather will be a major factor, with many matches played in high temperatures.

“There’s so many players to choose from, obviously,” said Watkins.

“Players who, we’re all physically at our best and in goalscoring form, also coming off the back of individuals winning trophies. I think it’s really positive.”

He continued: “If you look at the squad, we’ve played at the highest level possible and won in the most important games when there’s pressure on,” he said.

“What better way to go into a World Cup than the team winning trophies and playing their best football individually.”

England, who play their opening Group L fixture against Croatia in Dallas next Wednesday, have been training in Florida since the start of last week.

Watkins claims they are now getting used to the hot conditions.

He said: “I think the first week was really hard but now we are used to it and we are getting ready for what is to come.”