Alan Shearer publicly questioned manager Lee Carsley’s decision to bench Ollie Watkins in the previous game against Greece, in which England suffered a shocking 2-1 defeat. Shearer believed that Watkins should have started in place of the injured Harry Kane, expressing frustration that a forward of Watkins’ caliber was not given the chance to shine and in the next game against Finland Watkins Proved Shearer’s point, though he(Watkins) was benched for a full fit Harry Kane.
Alan Shearer: ‘Watkins Deserved His Chance’
Following the loss to Greece, many questioned why Watkins wasn’t chosen to start in Kane’s absence. Alan Shearer, English Premier League all-time top goal scorer, voiced his frustration with the decision. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said, “Centre forward is the most important position on the pitch. We always say you have a chance if you get a center forward. He didn’t put one in; he tried something different, but it didn’t work.”
Shearer explained the importance of Watkins’ inclusion, especially in light of Kane’s injury. “You would be raging if you were Ollie Watkins, wouldn’t you? Your main center-forward is injured, and you’ve been crying out for an opportunity. When Kane is out, the manager comes to you and says, ‘Well, I’m not going to play you tonight at home against Greece. I’m going to try something different.’”
Shearer added that Watkins should have started in the crucial match against Greece and earned the right to be considered as a serious contender for the number nine position. “He’s got every right to be [raging]. He should be knocking on [Carsley’s] door, tonight or tomorrow, saying: ‘I have to play the next game if Kane is not fit.’”
Watkins Show Quality Against Finland
The performance against Finland followed a much-discussed decision by Lee Carsley in the previous match. He opted for an attacking midfield strategy rather than starting Watkins in Kane’s absence. With Kane sidelined due to injury, Carsley experimented by playing Chelsea’s Cole Palmer in a deep-lying midfield role and Jude Bellingham as a false nine, which backfired against a defensively solid Greece.
England struggled to break down the Greek defense without a traditional center forward. Watkins was introduced in the 60th minute, replacing Anthony Gordon, and nearly made an immediate impact. After receiving a through ball from Palmer, Watkins fired just over the bar from inside the box— a missed opportunity that could have changed the outcome. England ultimately fell 2-1 to Greece, raising questions about the team’s strategy.
England’s Return to Winning Ways
After an unexpected defeat to Greece at Wembley, manager Lee Carsley sought to rejuvenate his squad for the match against Finland. Jack Grealish’s goal in the 18th minute, assisted by Angel Gomes was the highlight of a well-executed first half.
Despite Finland’s best efforts to disrupt England’s attack, the visitors controlled the tempo, maintaining their lead into halftime. The second half saw England growing stronger as the game progressed. In the 74th minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold produced a trademark free-kick from 22 yards out, curling the ball beyond Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky to double England’s advantage.
Ten minutes later, Watkins played a key role in England’s third goal. The Aston Villa forward replaced an underwhelming Harry Kane in the second half, adding a new dimension to England’s attack. Watkins set up Declan Rice to score in the 84th minute, capping off England’s performance. Though Finland’s Hoskonen netted a late consolation goal in the 87th minute, the result was never in doubt as England secured a well-deserved 3-1 victory.
Kane’s Struggles, A Contrast To Watkins’ Performance
Despite being fit to start against Finland, Harry Kane’s performance lacked the sharpness that has made him a prolific scorer for England. Kane, who missed the Greece match due to injury, looked sluggish and struggled to influence the game. Carsley substituted him in the second half, marking the seventh consecutive time Kane has been subbed off in an England appearance.
Ollie Watkins replaced Kane and immediately injected energy into England’s front line. His assistance with Declan Rice’s goal in the 84th minute was a clear reminder of what he offers as a center forward—pace, vision, and a willingness to work for the team. While Kane remains England’s top scorer, Watkins’ recent form, both for his club and country suggests he could be a more dynamic option in certain tactical setups.
Conclusion: A Changing of the Guard?
While Harry Kane remains a national hero and prolific goal-scorer, Ollie Watkins proves he deserves serious consideration as England’s starting forward. As the debate continues, it’s clear that Watkins is knocking on the door, and if he keeps performing at this level, it may not be long before that door is opened.
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