The final Euro 2024 squad that England manager Gareth Southgate selected includes both Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney.
This season, Watkins and Toney showed themselves to be the most likely backups for England’s captain and all-time top scorer, Harry Kane, up front for the Three Lions. As a result, both were added to the provisional 33-man roster.
Watkins had the best season of his career this year, scoring 27 goals for Aston Villa across all competitions. Toney, on the other hand, ended the season with a 12-game goal drought after serving an eight-month ban that ended in January. He scored four goals for Brentford in the Premier League and his first goal while wearing an England shirt in March.https:
When Southgate reduced his selection to 26, many predicted that one player would drop out, but both players reached the final group. On Thursday, Southgate was questioned about if his selection of three forwards for Germany was motivated by people’s opinions of him as a defensive manager.
“I think we have been attacking,” he retorted, “because we have scored more goals than any other generation save Walter Winterbottom’s.”
“The three are due to the distinct striker profile. Each one provides a unique offering. Although Ollie and Ivan each have unique qualities and strengths that we may require at different points during a game, we are aware that Harry [Kane] is the starting player.
“I believe that the squad will be extremely crucial given the current state of the game, which includes five adjustments for competitive games and expectations on squads throughout the season. We will make use of the various choices at our disposal.
“I think all forward players do [need to feel confident], not just strikers: wingers,” Southgate went on. Although I believe both Taylor and Watkins are aware of the quality of the man in front of them, their relationship is different.
You feel differently because at their clubs, they are the men whom everyone looks up to. We believe in them, which is why they are here—both of them are extremely talented players. They will provide what is required when needed. I acknowledge that offensive players must have a sense of confidence and that
