Ollie Watkins snubbed as England face France in 2026 World Cup third-place match

Ollie Watkins will not start for England in their 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place match against France in Miami. Despite Harry Kane’s absence from the starting lineup, Thomas Tuchel opted for Ivan Toney over the Aston Villa striker, sparking debate among fans and pundits.

Why is Ollie Watkins not starting for England vs France?

Tuchel’s decision to leave Watkins on the bench has raised eyebrows. The England manager chose to hand Toney the lead striker role instead, continuing a pattern of limited opportunities for Watkins throughout the tournament. The Aston Villa forward has been a key substitute in previous competitions, notably at UEFA Euro 2024, but has struggled to secure consistent playing time at this World Cup.

How has Watkins performed in the 2026 World Cup?

Watkins arrived in the United States as one of England’s attacking options, yet his involvement has been minimal. Tuchel has consistently favored Kane as his first-choice striker, while Toney has now been given the nod ahead of Watkins in Kane’s absence. This marks a stark contrast to Euro 2024, where Watkins made significant contributions off the bench.

What’s next for Watkins after the World Cup?

With England’s World Cup campaign drawing to a close, Watkins’ limited playing time remains a talking point. The striker will return to Aston Villa with questions about his role in the national team. Meanwhile, Tuchel’s tactical choices will face scrutiny as England aim to secure third place against France.

The match kicks off at 3:00 PM ET, with Watkins available as a substitute should England need his attacking prowess.