Legendary former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has now explained why he wanted Ollie Watkins rather than Ivan Toney to feature for England.
Ollie Watkins made himself a hero last night, as he came off the bench against the Netherlands in Dortmund to strike a 90th minute winner which sent England through to the final of Euro 2024.
The Three Lions will now take on Spain for the right to be crowned champions of Europe on Sunday.
Gareth Southgate’s side were deserving of this victory overall, and thought they’d won it ten minutes earlier when Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka finished smartly from close range. However, the 22-year-old’s effort was swiftly ruled out after Kyle Walker was adjudged to have strayed offside in the build up.
Ultimately, it was Watkins who was to grab the headlines. The Aston Villa man’s impressive last gasp finish was worthy of winning the game, and he offered England far more movement than Harry Kane had been able to provide prior to his removal in the 81st minute.
This goal also vindicated Southgate’s decision to introduce Watkins to the fray, rather than Brentford forward Ivan Toney.
Arsenal icon Ian Wright was also supportive of this decision.
Ian Wright reveals preference for Ollie Watkins over Arsenal target Ivan Toney
Toney himself has been able to make a positive impact from the bench for England in this competition. On this occasion, though, he was not used.
The England boss needed to freshen things up, as 30-year-old Kane, who still looks short of full fitness, had not been able to stretch the Netherlands defence, and had spent too much of the match dropping deep, rather than providing a presence in the box or making runs in behind the Dutch defence.
For all of Toney’s qualities, he operates more as a target man, and wouldn’t necessarily have supplied the pace and directness required to exploit gaps in the opposition defence.
Wright has now revealed why he always felt that Watkins was the ideal option to impact the match. Speaking on ITV (10/07/2024, 22:10), he said: “I think Ollie Watkins’ game is about stretching, running beyond defenders… This is what Ollie Watkins does.”
Are Arsenal lacking a Watkins of their own?
Arsenal have been credited with an interest in signing Toney. Profile-wise, he would offer the Gunners something similar to what Kai Havertz already provides at the Emirates Stadium. He would therefore be good cover and competition for the German.
However, Mikel Arteta’s squad arguably lacks a player in the Watkins mould. Gabriel Jesus does not regularly run in behind either, and is an inconsistent finisher at best.
Watkins is believed to be an Arsenal fan, as and as a fast, incisive, clinical striker, he could be just what the North London club are missing.
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