Despite Harry Kane’s impressive Euro performance with three goals, there’s a growing debate in England regarding whether the Bayern Munich striker is the right choice for the final. A movement has emerged to start Ollie Watkins once morest Spain.
Watkins became England’s hero for a few days following scoring the last-minute winning goal once morest the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final. This was a payoff for Gareth Southgate’s decision to bring Watkins on in the 81st minute, replacing Harry Kane. Now, with Kane having a somewhat disappointing tournament, some in England are advocating for Watkins to start in the final once morest Spain.
Watkins Could Be Spain’s Kryptonite
An analysis of Kane’s mixed performance once morest the Netherlands, despite his penalty goal, has fueled the debate. The Sun newspaper, a well-known English tabloid, has joined the chorus advocating for Watkins’ inclusion. They believe Watkins is the key to breaking through Spain’s defensive lines, unlike Kane who is seen as hindering England’s attack.
ANALYSIS: Gareth Southgate should DROP Harry Kane for the Euros final – Ollie Watkins is better option vs Spain’s defence #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Vjcd1C1ZbQ
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) July 13, 2024
The argument for Watkins is that he is faster and more mobile than Kane, making him better suited to attacking deeper into the Spanish defense. This high, defensive formation has been Spain’s hallmark throughout the tournament. With Watkins leading the charge, Spanish defenders would be forced to adjust their position, opening up potential vulnerabilities. Furthermore, Watkins’ speed might exploit the space left by Spain’s defensive line, making him a dangerous threat. Whether Southgate will heed this tactical advice remains to be seen. However, he’s often stuck to his own game plan, showing little deference to English media criticism since the first match once morest Serbia.
Watkins or Kane: The Big Debate for England’s Euro 2024 Final
Even though Harry Kane has stepped up in this Euro and has scored three times already, will the Bayern Munich striker be up to the task in the final? In England, a campaign has started to put Ollie Watkins in the starting line-up once morest Spain.
He was England’s hero for at least 4 days. Ollie Watkins qualified the Three Lions for the Euro 2024 final thanks to his goal in the last minute of regulation time once morest the Netherlands in the semi-final. It was a reward for Gareth Southgate’s coaching, who had brought Watkins on in the 81st minute in place of Harry Kane. For Spain-England on Sunday evening, can the England coach put Watkins on from kick-off? An idea that is growing in England with Kane’s disappointing tournament. Even though he is joint top scorer in the tournament with three goals, the Bayern striker has struggled to influence matches.
Watkins will be the poison of Spain
An analysis confirmed by his mixed performance once morest the Netherlands despite a penalty goal. The Sun has joined the avowed supporters of Ollie Watkins starting once morest La Roja. The famous English tabloid bases its serious reflection on tactical elements. It sees Ollie Watkins as the best way to trap the Spanish collective, unlike Kane, who is considered the main slowdown in English attacks in Germany.
ANALYSIS: Gareth Southgate should DROP Harry Kane for the Euros final – Ollie Watkins is better option vs Spain’s defence #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Vjcd1C1ZbQ
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) July 13, 2024
Indeed, more mobile and faster than Kane, the Aston Villa striker is better able to take depth. This would be the key to breaking through the midfield as well as the Spanish defense. La Roja has been used to playing high and in a block since the start of the tournament. With Watkins at the forefront of the attack, the Spanish defenders would be forced to drop back a little on the field to counter the English striker. And, given the spaces sometimes left by the Spanish hinge in the tournament, Watkins might do a lot of damage on Sunday evening. It remains to be seen whether Southgate will follow this tactical advice. Nevertheless, the England coach often prefers to follow through with his ideas, having listened little to the English media since the first match once morest Serbia.
Key Differences in Style
The main difference between the two players is their movement and playing style. Here is a breakdown:
| Feature | Harry Kane | Ollie Watkins |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Static, more of a target man | Dynamic, runs in behind, stretches defense |
| Speed | Average | Very fast |
| Passing | Excellent | Good |
| Finishing | Clinical, good at scoring variety of goals | Good, relies more on speed and movement |
| Aerial Ability | Excellent | Good, but not as dominant as Kane |
Watkins: A Threat from the Start?
Southgate has often been criticized for his conservative approach, particularly in big games. He’s shown a preference for experience and proven players, which has led to some frustration among fans who believe he should be more adventurous. Could Watkins’ impressive performance once morest the Netherlands be the spark Southgate needs to break from his usual patterns?
What does the Future Hold for England’s Striking Options?
Regardless of the outcome of the final, the debate regarding England’s ideal striker is likely to continue. The emergence of Watkins has certainly shaken things up and provided Southgate with another potent weapon. But Kane’s experience and goal-scoring prowess can’t be underestimated.
Only time will tell how Southgate addresses this challenge moving forward, but one thing is certain: the competition for places in England’s attack is hotter than ever, and the potential of Watkins makes the future very exciting for England fans.