With Watkins now a regular in the England squad and a capable backup to Harry Kane, Southgate’s praise will be welcomed by Villa fans, who have been on cloud nine all season.
This international break, in addition to Watkins, Ezri Konsa was brought into the Three Lions team due to an injury to Brighton & Hove Albion star Lewis Dunk.
Villa have had a great season, with Unai Emery taking the Birmingham-based club into top-four contention in the Premier League heading into the international break.
And Watkins’ form has been crucial to this run, with the former Brentford striker scoring 11 goals and assisting five times this season.
While Kane is the undoubted England captain, Watkins is a fantastic backup option for the Bayern Munich star, and the Villa man will be eager to make an impression with the Three Lions.
With the Euros approaching, Watkins believes he has earned a certain ticket on the plane to Germany for next summer’s championship, which England hopes to win.
However, the Villa star must put in the effort for England when given the opportunity, and given the Three Lions’ opponents this month, Watkins might be offered back-to-back starts.
With 11 goals already this season, Watkins will want to seize this month’s opportunity with both hands, and Southgate’s comments to the striker suggest a boss delighted with what he has seen this year.
