Aston Villa, Dominic Solanke
(Credit: Imago)
Villa News Speaking to Bryan King
Tue 18 March 2025 7:10, UK
Dominic Solanke has caused some confusion for a former Aston Villa employee after what happened to the Tottenham striker recently.
Solanke has demonstrated his close relationship with some of the Villa players this season, most notably Morgan Rogers.
The 27-year-old sent a “serious” message to Rogers earlier this term.
And he once again interacted with the Aston Villa star after the 22-year-old bemoaned an incident in the 1-0 Premier League win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday 8 March.
Therefore, the two players will be buzzing that they get to link up with each other for the first time in a senior England squad during the March international break. However, Thomas Tuchel’s decision to include Solanke has caused some confusion.
Aston Villa, Tottenham, Dominic Solanke
Solanke has been picked by Tuchel for England (Credit: Imago)
Solanke picked for England ahead of Watkins
Tuchel made some bold decisions in his England team selection, including a call-up for Aston Villa loanee Marcus Rashford.
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However, perhaps more shocking was the exclusion of Watkins.
And ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – cannot understand how Solanke was picked ahead of the Villa number 11.
“I was pleased that Rogers got called up,” King said.
“He has been playing with the Under-21s, and now he has been picked for the senior squad, which is great. However, it is a bit unusual what happened with Watkins.
2024/25 Appearances Goals Assists
Ollie Watkins 41 14 11
Dominic Solanke 33 11 8
Solanke v Watkins’ stats this season
“I’m looking at the attacking selections, and I would have picked Watkins ahead of Solanke, that is for sure. That selection, at this moment in time, I cannot work out. Solanke isn’t an England player based on this season.
“He has had such a hit-and-miss season. Oddly, he got in ahead of Watkins. I’m not saying Solanke is a bad player, but his performances haven’t been as good as Watkins’ this season.”
Ollie Watkins
Watkins missed out for England (Credit: Imago)
Watkins has a point to prove to Tuchel
Watkins struggled for Aston Villa in their 3-0 UEFA Champions League win over Club Brugge on Wednesday (12 March).
Therefore, this might have factored into Tuchel’s thinking. However, there is no doubt that the 29-year-old is a top player and can certainly change the new England boss’ mind over the coming months.
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