Watkins has already experienced the power of arriving from the bench on the biggest stage. His late winner against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final sent England into the final and gave him a defining moment in the national team.
He now sees substitute appearances as an opportunity rather than a demotion. Watkins believes tired defenders create different spaces, while players watching from the touchline can identify those openings before entering the match. His view is rooted in experience: changing a game from the bench remains, in his words, “the best feeling”.
Kane’s status as England’s established starter means Watkins is unlikely to begin every important fixture. But that clarity may also help him. He knows what is expected and can focus on being ready when the match begins to change shape.
Watkins’ development has also been shaped by conversations with former England striker Michael Owen over the past 14 months. The Villa forward has acknowledged that he was sometimes too nice on the pitch, with Owen offering guidance on how to become more demanding and decisive.
Watkins has also praised Owen’s quality, arguing that it is often overlooked. Having a former elite striker as a sounding board has given him another perspective on movement, finishing and the mentality required at international level.
Watkins earned his place after a strong finish to the campaign with Aston Villa, helping the club secure Europa League success and a top-four Premier League finish. That form gives England a forward capable of offering pace, direct running and a different problem for opponents late in matches.
The next group fixture will provide the clearest indication of how Thomas Tuchel plans to use him. For Watkins, the assignment is straightforward: stay ready, trust the spaces and make the next opportunity count.