After scoring a hat-trick against Brighton on Saturday, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa has given Gareth Southgate a lot to think about.
The manager of England was present at Villa Park when the local team destroyed the high-flying Seagulls, winning 6-1.
Watkins contributed to three of the goals and added an assist, giving him 10 goals in as many games so far across all competitions.
The 27-year-old is often regarded as England’s best striker, barring Harry Kane of course, but shockingly, he hasn’t received a cap for the Three Lions.
He has just seven caps for his country, scoring two goals and only one of these has come from the start, but that could all change as Southgate finalises his plans for next summer’s Euro 2024.
‘To be honest, I don’t know when he [Southgate] is here,’ Watkins admitted to TNT Sports after the Brighton win.
‘It is nice when he is but I want to perform and score every game. There have been a few times this season when I have been disappointed and there is always a chance to put it right. I am going to enjoy it.“If I don’t score, he [manager Unai Emery] keeps talking to me and tells me to work hard every day and goals will come,” the player said.
Before the game, someone informed me of my record (against Brighton). Every game, I try to score and weaken their defense, and today, it succeeded. As a group, we were unmatched. A+ for the boys.
‘It was a good performance from us. We bounced back here and they play some good stuff so it is a great result.
‘I’m not sure [what his goal target is for the season]. Hopefully a lot more. [It is] a great day for me.’
There have been recent rumours that Watkins is close to agreeing a new deal with Villa, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United keeping tabs on the striker.
He was coy on speaking out on contract talks however, adding: ‘I just try and let my football do the talking.
‘My goal is to score goals and help the team win. What happens off the pitch is separate.’
At the time of writing, the win has moved Villa up to third in the Premier League table, just four points behind leaders Manchester City.
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