Wayne Rooney has voiced his surprise at England manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to exclude Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins from the squad for the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
England, having already secured their spot at next summer’s tournament, are set to face Serbia and Albania this month. Tuchel’s squad includes established stars like Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Jarrod Bowen, but Watkins did not make the cut, raising questions from Rooney.
Following Aston Villa’s commanding 4-0 victory over Bournemouth, Rooney praised the team’s performance and managerial acumen. Speaking to the BBC, the former Manchester United and England striker said, “That was really good from Villa today. Unai Emery manages his squad so well, balancing European fixtures and league games with impressive experience. Today’s energetic display shows they’re finding their form after a tough start.”
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Rooney highlighted the resurgence of Villa under Emery’s leadership over recent months, adding, “I’m slightly surprised Thomas Tuchel has left Ollie Watkins out of the England squad. He performed well today, created chances and was unfortunate not to score. His work rate was excellent.”
Watkins’ exclusion follows an injury sustained in last month’s friendly against Wales, where he scored but had to leave at halftime after colliding with a goalpost. Although Tuchel initially described Watkins’ condition as “okay,” the striker returned to Aston Villa to continue his recovery.
This season has been challenging for Watkins, who has managed just one goal in 11 Premier League appearances. Aston Villa currently sit sixth in the league with five wins, three draws, and three losses, a marked improvement after a winless start under Emery’s guidance.
England enters the upcoming fixtures virtually unthreatened, leading Group K with a perfect record of six wins. They will host Serbia at Wembley on Thursday, November 13th, before traveling to Albania’s Arena Kombëtare on Sunday, November 16th.
Tuchel’s selected squad features goalkeepers Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, and Nick Pope; defenders Dan Burn, Marc Guéhi, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, and John Stones; midfielders Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Alex Scott, and Adam Wharton; and forwards Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka.