Paul Ince agreed with Aston Villa striker, Ollie Watkins, that he was ‘sloppy at times’ after he made his first start during England’s 3-0 friendly win over the Ivory Coast on Tuesday night at Wembley, as he told Sky Sports Football.
The former midfielder added that Watkins was ‘very good’ overall, as he praised the Villa hitman’s movement inside the box for his goal.
With England’s main man – Harry Kane – rested by Gareth Southgate, it was Watkins who was handed such important keys to the number nine role.
The 26-year-old, who also netted on his England debut, didn’t disappoint, as he peeled off his man at the near post to tap home the opener.
Watkins was then involved in England’s second when his outstanding hold-up play and lay-off to Raheem Sterling allowed the winger to feed Jack Grealish, who assisted his Manchester City teammate for the second of the night.
Right at the death, Villa captain, Tyrone Mings, joined the party by scoring from a corner, as Manchester United legend, Ince, shared his thoughts on Watkins’ performance.
“No, I don’t think so (Watkins could have done more),” said Ince. “I think it was an honest assessment of how he played.
“He said he was ‘sloppy at times’, which he was. But his hold-up play was very good. Runs the channels. Score a goal. (Played a part in the second goal).
“If you said to him ‘you can dream about that before tonight’. He would have snapped your hands off.
“He’s a very good player. He’s not been bang in form at Villa. He doesn’t play a lot, Ings plays more than he is.
“It’s great movement (for his goal). You are talking about the top strikers and gambling. Knowing when the player is on the ball. Knowing what he is going to do. They are the best goals for strikers.”
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It’s obvious that Kane is going to lead the line for England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, regardless of what happens with the Tottenham striker.
It’s just a case of who rocks up behind the Three Lions captain because Watkins has made a serious case with yesterday’s performance.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the man selected at Euro 2020, but he has been injured for large parts since then, whilst Patrick Bamford has also been in the same boat.
Tammy Abraham is the one shining bright at Roma, with Watkins only brought into the squad after his injury, but either way, the Villa striker has a chance of earning that all-important plane ticket to Qatar after yesterday’s performance.
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