Ollie Watkins has revealed that advice from former England striker Michael Owen could be key to reigniting his form and boosting his hopes of returning to the international stage.
The Aston Villa forward has endured a mixed season despite registering 12 goals in all competitions, and admits he has sought guidance from one of England’s most prolific modern-era forwards. Watkins reached out to Owen directly via social media, opening a line of communication that has since become a valuable source of insight.
According to Watkins, Owen’s message was clear: embrace aggression and become a constant problem for defenders.
“I speak to Michael Owen quite a bit,” Watkins said. “Someone like him, who has reached levels I haven’t yet, understands the mindset. He told me I’m at my best when I play angry and act as a nuisance. That’s something I need to bring more consistently.”
The 30-year-old striker believes adopting that mentality could help him rediscover the sharpness that saw him shine on the international stage, particularly during Euro 2024, where he scored a crucial goal in England’s semi-final victory over the Netherlands.
However, maintaining those high standards has proven difficult. Watkins admitted the current campaign has been one of the toughest of his career, both physically and mentally.
“This season has been the hardest for me,” he said. “After reaching a new level, especially in Europe and with England, expectations rise. I haven’t always met those expectations this year, and dealing with that has been challenging.”
Despite the struggles, Watkins remains confident he can return to top form. He pointed to the unpredictable nature of football, where momentum can shift quickly with just a few strong performances.
“You can score a few goals and suddenly people say you’re back,” he added. “I still believe in my ability and know I can get back to the level I’ve shown before.”
Encouragingly for both player and club, Watkins recently delivered a standout performance, scoring twice in Villa’s 3-1 victory over Bologna in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
With Villa currently pushing for a top-four finish in the Premier League and competing in Europe, Watkins will be aiming to build momentum at a crucial stage of the season. Upcoming fixtures, including a clash with Nottingham Forest, could provide the perfect platform to put Owen’s advice into action.
As the race for international selection intensifies ahead of the next World Cup, Watkins knows that rediscovering his “angry” edge might be exactly what he needs to force his way back into the England picture.
