Ollie Watkins decision baffles as England inquest intensifies after win over Andorra
Thomas Tuchel has come under the spotlight for a decision he made during the latter stages of England’s win over Andorra.
A Declan Rice header and an own goal was enough for England to cruise past Andorra at Villa Park and keep up their assent towards next summer’s World Cup.
Tuchel handed Elliott Anderson an England debut against Andorra in midfield following the Nottingham Forest stars impressive performances at club level.
England will next travel to Serbia, where a win in Belgrade would certainly put the Three Lions in pole position to qualify for the World Cup.
Ollie Watkins’ second half omission causes confusion
It was a strong England team that Tuchel picked to start the match, but the German has been criticised for not making a certain substitution in the second half.
The Daily Mail’s Ian Ladyman, on X [September 6], said he didn’t understand the decision to keep striker Harry Kane on the pitch for the final minutes of the contest.
Ladyman said: “I don’t understand why Harry Kane is still on the field here. He will start against Serbia on Tuesday.
“This game is won. Twenty minutes for Ollie Watkins would have made a lot of sense.”
Tuchel also had West Ham striker Jarrod Bowen available to him in the squad, but he too decided against using the 28-year-old.
Thomas Tuchel must spread England minutes ahead of World Cup
Football Insider Verdict
With the game in its final moments, turning to either Watkins or Bowen in place of Kane would have made sense.
These are the matches in which Tuchel can experiment and give minutes to squad players, and still come away with victory.
Kane is an integral player for England and Tuchel cannot afford an injury to his captain, in what would be a huge blow.
| Harry Kane | Stats |
| England Caps | 107 |
| Goals | 73 |
| Assists | 19 |
Keeping Kane fit is one priority ahead of the World Cup, so keeping him on the pitch when the game is won does not seem logical.
Whoever Tuchel selects in his squad to play back-up to Kane will have to make an impact off the bench, so giving them playing time before the tournament is something the German must do when the time is right.