Ollie Watkins has his sights set firmly on Euro 2024 after reaching 16 goals in the Premier League for Aston Villa this season.
The 28-year-old grabbed a first-half brace for the Villains at Kenilworth Road on Saturday evening, but Luton Town didn’t roll over for their guests despite going two goals down.
Former Birmingham City midfielder Tahith Chong got one back midway through the second half, before Carlton Morris equalised minutes later.
The Hatters would be left heartbroken however, as Lucas Digne grabbed a late winner to take all the spoils back to the Midlands as their bid for Champions League qualification apace.
Watkins is helping Villa towards that mission with his 26 goal involvements this term, but he is also gunning for a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad at Euro 2024.
“If I said I wasn’t thinking about the Euros I would be lying to you,” he told BBC Match of the Day. I want to score as many goals as possible. I feel like I am doing that. I am confident and I am playing my best football.
“I have played Premier League football for a number of years now. I missed out on the last Euros squad because it was my first season in the Premier League. Now I have been in the Premier League for a number of years. I am scoring, I am established, so it is down to the manager if he wants to pick me.”
Villa manager Unai Emery was effusive in his praise of Watkins after the final whistle. “Brilliant,” the Spaniard told the BBC.
“His commitment is brilliant and the consequence is this when he works hard every day. He is always working for the team and then he is working to score and also hold up the ball and fighting with the centre-back.”
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