Aston Villa ace Ollie Watkins will link up with England for this summer's World Cup in fine form
Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City
Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City(Image: Getty)
View Image
Aston Villa ace Ollie Watkins believes he is “in the best moment” in his career ahead of going to the World Cup.
It has been a fine end to the campaign for the 30-year-old with Villa. With a Europa League medal already safely secured and Champions League football in the bag, he signed off in style by netting a brace to clinch a 2-1 win over Manchester City in Sunday’s season finale.
Watkins’ double at the Etihad Stadium took his goal tally for 2025/26 to 21 in all competitions for Unai Emery’s side. He now turns attention to England and the push for another big prize in the United States.
“Yeah, and what better way to do it,” Watkins said of heading to the World Cup. “After winning a European trophy and getting into the Champions League, obviously getting 21 goals in total for the season, individually I am playing my best football and I’m feeling the best I have felt for a long time. It is amazing.
“I have had really good runs before but I think personally this is the best I’ve ever been on, scoring a lot of braces.
“I think I could have scored even more. I think I am in the best moment in my career so far.”
He added: “I feel like me personally, I go on a streak of goals. I go on little runs where, as a team, we are playing well and I feel confident in my individual performance.
“I knew I was going to hit a bit of form and thankfully it has come at the right time.”
Watkins’ red-hot form in the latter stages of the season is in contrast to earlier on in the campaign. He had found the net for Villa just once, against Fulham, prior to the start of December.
“I think I have scored the most goals out of all the forwards at this back end of the season,” said the striker.
Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!
“I think had I just scored a few more at the start, where could I have been? But everything happens for a reason.
“I am really proud of myself at how I have turned it around individually because I felt I was in a really low place physically and mentally.”
Whatever happens with the Three Lions this summer, Watkins is certain he will return to Villa Park with much to look forward to. He is convinced this is just the start for this group.
“A couple of seasons ago we finished poorly, losing 5-0 to Crystal Palace after securing Champions League football,” he said.
“This time, that was not the case. It was a real professional performance from the boys.
“I think we are always striving for more. It only gives us that taste in the mouth to go and win something else and try to push on; not rest here, to keep fighting and achieving more as a team.”
How would you rate Watkins' season? Click HERE to have your say