After helping Aston Villa defeat Luton 3-2, Unai Emery backed Ollie Watkins to be selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad. The 28-year-old’s two goals at Kenilworth Road brought his season total to 21 goals across all competitions; he first scored from a Leon Bailey corner and then finished via a post after Douglas Luiz’s quick free-kick. This is now his best Premier League season in terms of goals scored, with 16 in the top flight as Villa have emerged as unexpected finalists to make the Champions League.
With Watkins building a claim as a top contender, Gareth Southgate has less than three months to choose which forwards to go to Germany with captain Harry Kane.
Ivan Toney, a striker for Brentford, is also a contender despite missing the first five months of the season because of a gambling ban.
According to Emery, “every player is demonstrating their quality, capacity, commitment, and performance in their teams.”
The national team’s coach must then make a decision. However, I believe he should be present.
Following Lucas Digne’s thrilling header in the 89th minute to secure a dramatic victory against Rob Edwards’ relegation-threatened team, Villa’s victory on Saturday solidified their spot in the top four, with nearest competitors Tottenham five points behind.
Watkins had given Villa the lead in the first half, but Tahith Chong and Carlton Morris scored two goals in as many minutes to erase that lead.
Just when Luton appeared to be winning, Moussa Diaby crossed the ball for Digne to score at the far post. However, two replacements worked together to steal the point for Emery’s team.
