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Rob Green has worrying opinion for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins after England’s game last night

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Rob Green has made a worrying claim about Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins after his performance for England last night.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Green reflected on a disappointing evening for Ollie Watkins in an England shirt. 

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant start to the new campaign for Aston Villa, having had a hand in 11 goals in 12 Premier League appearances.

Watkins’ brilliant form has earned him a deserved call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad, with the striker netting against Australia in the last international break. 

North Macedonia v England: Group C - UEFA EURO 2024 European Qualifiers
Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

He was given the nod over Harry Kane against North Macedonia last night but struggled to make an impact before being replaced by the England skipper in the 58th minute.

And Rob Green has suggested that his performance will have damaged his chances of getting more opportunities in an England shirt. 

Green makes worrying claim about Watkins after latest England display

Speaking on the Monday Night Club, Green feels Southgate has already made his mind up about Watkins.

“I think he’s seen enough,” the former England shot-stopper said. “I think he’s made his mind up.

“I think he saw Ollie Watkins and went ‘I tell you what, I don’t think tonight he’s been up to the standard we need’.

“That was the decision, if a manager makes a substitution and the player is directly involved with the goal 30 seconds later, I think that’s quite a good decision.”

David Seaman Ollie Watkins Arsenal Aston Villa
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Watkins wasn’t at his best last night but the same can be said about the majority of Southgate’s side.

England struggled to break down a resilient North Macedonia side and chances were few and far between for Watkins.

Indeed, Dion Dublin even claimed the former Brentford man was ’starved’ of opportunities on the night.

It seems a bit harsh from Green to suggest Southgate has made his mind up on Watkins.

The Three Lions boss has been full of praise for the Villa frontman over the past week and Watkins looks set to deputise for Kane at next year’s Euros.