Ollie Watkins scores twice for Aston Villa in 3-1 win over Bologna
Ollie Watkins has responded emphatically to his recent England omission by scoring twice to help Aston Villa secure a 3-1 victory over Bologna in their Europa League quarter-final first leg.
The 30-year-old forward was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s expanded 35-man national squad in March.
England struggled for goals during recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in the absence of captain Harry Kane.
With the North American World Cup looming just over two months away, the national team manager faces a shortage of proven attacking alternatives.
The prolific Aston Villa striker has now firmly re-entered the conversation after an impressive match-winning display in Italy.
Watkins rediscovers goalscoring touch
Ezri Konsa opened the scoring for the visitors against the run of play before the English frontman took control of the tie.
Pouncing on a defensive error from Torbjorn Heggem, the clinical finisher threaded his shot through the legs of goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia to double the advantage.
Jonathan Rowe pulled a late goal back for the Serie A side in the 90th minute.
However, the in-form attacker restored the two-goal cushion deep into stoppage time with a decisive strike from a corner.
“It’s the back end of the season and I’m raring to go.”
Watkins told TNT Sports after moving his club one step closer to a European semi-final.
“I could play another 90 minutes. I’m excited for the next few games. I’m hungry.”
Perfect timing for club and country
The dynamic target-man has now registered three goals in his last five appearances across all competitions.
This represents a significant upturn in form after managing just a single strike in his previous 12 outings.
Aston Villa will now look to defend their commanding aggregate lead when they host the Italian outfit in the return leg at Villa Park next Thursday.
Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin believes this resurgence could not have been better timed.
“There is the possibility of the centre-forward position waiting with England at the World Cup, there’s a chance at securing Champions League football and there’s a possible European final.”
Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Here he is scoring two goals and looking very sharp and very lively indeed.”
