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England have been dealt a setback forward of their upcoming fixtures, with striker Ollie Watkins withdrawing from the squad as a consequence of harm.
The Aston Villa ahead, who performed a pivotal position in England’s run to the Euro 2024 semi-finals, had joined up with Thomas Tuchel’s aspect for his or her coaching camp in Spain.
Nonetheless, the Soccer Affiliation has confirmed that Watkins will play no half within the June worldwide break, as a precaution over a minor challenge.
“Ollie Watkins will play no half in England’s forthcoming fixtures in opposition to Andorra and Senegal,” the FA stated in a press release.
“The Aston Villa striker has withdrawn from the squad as a precaution as a consequence of a minor harm. A 25-man squad will now proceed preparations for Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.”
Saturday’s conflict with Andorra marks England’s third Group Ok qualifier as they give the impression of being to keep up an ideal begin on the highway to the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions opened the marketing campaign with wins over Albania and Latvia at Wembley in March and are heavy favourites to proceed that run in opposition to the 164th-ranked aspect on the earth.
Ollie Watkins has withdrawn from the #ThreeLions camp as a precaution as a consequence of a minor harm.
— England (@England) June 6, 2025
Regardless of the gulf in high quality between the 2 sides, head coach Thomas Tuchel has known as for endurance and focus from his gamers, stressing the significance of power and self-discipline in opposition to what’s more likely to be a deep-lying Andorran defence.
Talking forward of the match, Tuchel stated: “This isn’t the best second within the calendar for a global break.
“The gamers come off a brief vacation, they arrive from an extended and demanding season. It’s necessary to not count on an excessive amount of, too quickly.
Tuchel additionally addressed comparisons being drawn between England’s upcoming fixture and Thursday’s thrilling Nations League semi-final between Spain and France, the place the Euro 2024 champions claimed a dramatic 5-4 victory.
“It’s not truthful to count on that form of match on Saturday night time,” Tuchel added.
“Spain vs France was one of many highest ranges of soccer in Europe proper now, offensively good, an actual spectacle. That’s not the identical context as our World Cup qualifier in opposition to Andorra.”
After dealing with Andorra in Barcelona, England will return residence to host Senegal in a pleasant at Nottingham Forest’s Metropolis Floor on Tuesday. The fixture will supply Tuchel additional alternative to experiment along with his squad and construct momentum forward of the September internationals.