Ollie Watkins

[Devon Red]

Not that I want to justify all of Southgate's decisions, but the 'third striker' decision is easy to understand. There's Kane and Rashford who are as close to guaranteed as can be ,if fit.

Then behind them there is a whole host of others - Wilson,Toney, Calvert-Lewin, Ollie Watkins, Abraham, Bamford - all of whom have been tried but none of whom are obviously miles better than the others. So that spot tends to go to whichever of them is in the best recent form.

As for the midfield selections though...

Absolutely.

There are a couple of questionable inclusions, but I agree with GS's decision on the striker front. Kane and Rashford have to be in, and Wilson has scored 18 goals this season firing Newcastle to the Champions League. If Watkins had got in ahead of Wilson it would have been extremely harsh.

 

[denzel]

Another goal for Ollie in his last game of the season. A tap on but they all count

 

[tom_ecfc]

Another goal for Ollie in his last game of the season. A tap on but they all count

Celebrated with the phone call celebration…aimed at Southgate? Give me a call!

 

[andrew p long]

Another goal for Ollie in his last game of the season. A tap on but they all count

and it turns out to be the goal that sends Aston Villa back into Europe. At the expense of Spurs and Harry Kane...

 

[Alistair20000]

and it turns out to be the goal that sends Aston Villa back into Europe. At the expense of Spurs and Harry Kane...

European Conference third tier a good tournament to avoid in my view. On a par with the Johnson Paints and Papa Johns.

 

[Rosencrantz]

European Conference third tier a good tournament to avoid in my view. On a par with the Johnson Paints and Papa Johns.

Tell that to West Ham fans.

 

[Alistair20000]

Tell that to West Ham fans.

They do not realistically aspire to a top 6 PL finish when playing in the EC just gets in the way.

 

[Rosencrantz]

They do not realistically aspire to a top 6 PL finish when playing in the EC just gets in the way.

Finish sixth or win a trophy? If they win the final they are in Europe again next season and have a trophy.

 

[Alistair20000]

Finish sixth or win a trophy? If they win the final they are in Europe again next season and have a trophy.

If.

 

[Banksy]

Celebrated with the phone call celebration…aimed at Southgate? Give me a call!

Dropped off a bit at the end but fifteen goals ain’t shabby.