“He is someone who can get us up the pitch" - Jermain Defoe wants to see 'dynamic' England star to be involved more at Euro 2024
Former England international Jermain Defoe wishes to see more of Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins at Euro 2024. The Three Lions take on Slovakia in the Round of 16 on Sunday (June 30) in Gelsenkirchen.
Gareth Southgate's side - tipped by many as one of the title favourites - haven't quite lived up to that billing in their three group games in Germany. After opening their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Serbia, the Euro 2020 finalists laboured to 1-1 draws with Denmark and Slovenia to top their group.
However, the manner of their performances haven't convinced fans that the Three Lions could go all the way in Germany. Defoe reckons Watkins' dynamism could provide the spark up front for Southgate's side, telling PA (via Weston Mercury):
“He is someone who can get us up the pitch because he is so dynamic. He runs in behind, the ball doesn’t only come to his feet. I would love to see see him involved a little bit more because Harry Kane can drop into that 10 position, to roam and do his stuff.
“Harry is such a world-class finisher, and it is almost like he can play in two positions, having almost mastered the number nine position as a focal point and can then also play in at number 10 because his passing rate is one of the best.”
Watkins, 28, came on for the final 20 minutes of the 1-1 Euro 2024 draw with Denmark. He has scored thrice in 13 games for the Three Lions.
What happened when Euro 2024 contenders England last faced Slovakia?
England are unbeaten in six meetings with their Euro 2024 Round of 16 opponents Slovakia, winning five, including the last two. The last time the two teams met was in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Following a 1-0 win in Trnava - where Adam Lallana scored a 95th-minute winner - the Three Lions repeated the trick when they met the Slovaks at home at the Wembley.
Stanislav Lobotka gave the visitors a surprise third-minute lead, but Southgate' side steadied the ship, atoning for his mistake in losing possession in the build-up to Slovakia's goal by setting up Erik Dier's equaliser in the 37th minute.
Just before the hour mark, Rashford got on the scoresheet as he beat Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Duvravka to send the Three Lions to the cusp of qualifying for the showpiece event in Russia.