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Knee issue to blame for Ollie Watkins missing out on Tuchel’s first England squad

England national team manager Thomas Tuchel has named his first squad ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

Jordan Henderson’s inclusion ahead of Conor Gallagher, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton has understandably sparked plenty of debate.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins’ absence was also questioned. He has bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in 41 appearances for the Villains this season and was expected to be in the squad.

However, according to Sky Sports, a minor knee issue prevented Watkins from being called up. The manager and the player decided rest would be advisable during the international break.

Watkins will hope to be fit for the next round of international games in June and September. He gives England a different option in the centre-forward position.

Tuchel’s first squad is uninspiring. Calling up Henderson is a shocking decision, considering he flopped in the Saudi Pro League and has only started two of Ajax’s last nine games.

Gallagher, Gibbs-White, Gomez and Wharton will be baffled at the decision to include Henderson ahead of them.

The decision to bring him back is ridiculous, but England fans will be happy to see an explanation for Watkins’ exclusion.

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