Steven Gerrard is confident Ollie Watkins does not have a limit to his potential and believes the Aston Villa striker can earn a recall to the England side, via quotes by Birmingham Live.
Watkins is enduring a tough run of form at Villa Park under the Three Lions icon whilst the Villans struggle for results. The 26-year-old is without a goal in his last five Premier League appearances and produced a disconsolate display during Sunday’s 1-0 loss at Newcastle.
He also struggled to hold up play at St James’ Park before Gerrard called time on his game in the 72nd-minute. Watkins now faces a trying week in training to see that he retains a starting role at home to Watford when the Hornets travel to Birmingham this Saturday.
Gerrard confident of what Watkins can achieve in his Aston Villa
Watkins had thrived in Gerrard’s early games as Aston Villa’s manager after replacing Dean Smith in November. He struck three of his five goals for the season so far over their first six games without the man who signed him from Brentford for £28m rising to £33m in charge.
But the Villans’ 2020 former club-record capture was missing that spark at Newcastle and cost his side chances to break. Nonetheless, Gerrard is confident of what Watkins can achieve at Aston Villa and in his system thanks to the forward’s proven skillset.
“I don’t think there is a limit for Ollie,” Gerrard expressed. “He’s got the lot – pace, power, aggression. He will grow, he will enjoy the style we play, so there isn’t a ceiling for him.”
Gerrard plots Watkins’ path back into England squad
Gerrard also believes an England recall is not impossible if Watkins can produce consistent performances for Aston Villa. Gareth Southgate awarded the forward his Three Lions debut last March and further appearances in June and October, but was overlooked in November.
“Ollie has just got to be the best he can be for Aston Villa and I’m sure that will be enough for him to get back in the England squad, and I’m sure Gareth Southgate will be watching him closely,” Gerrard added.
“But the best thing you can do to get into England squads is to be consistent and do your stuff for your club, and Ollie is certainly doing that.”
Watkins has additionally made each of his five England appearances so far from the bench, despite the Aston Villa star scoring on his senior international bow at home to San Marino.
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