Watkins: Everyone is crucial

Ollie Watkins insists every member of the squad will be 'crucial' to England’s success at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the Three Lions prepare to face Ghana.

Thomas Tuchel made five substitutes during the opening 4-2 win over Croatia last week, with Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Djed Spence and Marc Guéhi all coming on in the second half to help secure victory.

Saka assisted Rashford for the final goal in Dallas, and Tuchel has spoken of the important role his bench will continue to play in North America as he bids to add a second star to the shirt.

Watkins, who was an unused substitute against Croatia, understands the key role that he and others can play during the tournament - and the Aston Villa forward is ready to take his opportunity when it comes.

Speaking during a press conference at England's Kansas City base ahead of Tuesday's group stage game against Ghana in Boston, Watkins said: "I think everyone is crucial in this squad.

"The squad that we have and the players coming off the bench. I was really excited, 60, 70 minutes and he [Tuchel] was changing the whole front three. He brought on Rashy, Bukayo and Morgan and then threw in Djed Spence at the end as well.

"Bringing on pacey players that just want to run forward, score more goals and it’s exciting. Everyone's got a big part to play."

Expanding on his thought process when not starting games, Watkins added: "Jude (Bellingham) was asking, 'What’s your mentality because you know you're not going to play?'

"I said I felt like there is no pressure on me to come on. People don't see me play, obviously they see Harry [Kane] playing, but I know what I can bring to the table.

"I watch the game when I'm on the bench, I can see the game opens up. It's a completely different game when you start a game of football to when you finish it.

"I've experienced that as a substitute. There's so many more opportunities when you come on, a lot of people are tired, they lose focus.

"Sometimes it can be better to be a substitute than to start a game.

"The most important thing is when we're on the bench, watch carefully what the opposition player is doing because when you come on the field, you get that opportunity to punish them."

Watkins was also full of praise for Harry Kane, who continued his incredible form with two more goals in the win over Croatia.

The Bayern Munich striker, who is England's all-time record goalscorer, took his international tally to 81 at Dallas Stadium and also equalled Gary Lineker's record of 10 World Cup goals for the Three Lions in the process.

"I think with H [Kane], his performances speak for themselves, his goal record speaks for itself and he's very unique in the way that he plays," Watkins said.

"He's very intelligent and I can't play like him. I stick to what I can do, so I don't try to copy him or do anything like that. I stick to my strengths really."