Thomas Tuchel suffers early England blow as striker withdraws from squad with "minor injury"

England have announced that Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has pulled out of June's squad due to a minor injury.

The former Brentford man was one of 26 players summoned by Thomas Tuchel for the summer double-header with Andorra and Senegal in World Cup 2026 Qualifying and a friendly respectively.

Watkins thrived at the tip of the Aston Villa attack once again last season with 17 goals and 14 assists from 54 matches in all tournaments, only missing one game through injury.

However, the 29-year-old has picked up a small issue which will prevent him from turning out for his country, three months after he was also forced to withdraw from the March camp with a knee issue.

"Ollie Watkins will play no part in England's forthcoming fixtures against Andorra and Senegal. The Aston Villa striker has withdrawn from the squad as a precaution due to a minor injury," a statement read.

The nature of Watkins's injury has not been disclosed, but there should be no concerns about his availability for Aston Villa's pre-season or the start of the next campaign.

England make Watkins replacement decision after injury withdrawal

Rather than call up a replacement for Watkins, England will instead continue to work with the remaining 25 players that Tuchel named in his second selection.

The German can already rely on Harry Kane and Ivan Toney in the number nine slots, and Watkins's withdrawal boosts the latter's chances of a long-awaited on-field comeback for his country.

The Al-Ahli striker last represented the Three Lions at Euro 2024, having been repeatedly overlooked by Lee Carsley, but he enjoyed a stellar first season in Saudi Arabia.

Toney struck 30 goals and provided six assists in 44 appearances across all competitions for Al-Ahli in 2024-25, but he is unlikely to be given the nod up front on Saturday against Andorra.

Instead, captain Kane is expected to lead the line in England's next World Cup qualifier, where the Three Lions seek a third win from as many matches in Group K.

However, Toney will have his sights set on a starting role against Senegal in Tuesday's friendly, where Tuchel will be expected to ring the changes after only two full days' worth of rest.

Written by
Ben Knapton