Ollie Watkins says he is targeting 20 goals for Aston Villa this season and a place in the England squad for Euro 2024, after scoring in Villa’s 4-1 win over West Ham on Sunday.
Watkins impressed as Villa recorded an 11th consecutive Premier League home win, with Unai Emery’s side moving within one point of the Champions League places.
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The 27-year-old – who was recalled to the England squad this month and scored in last week’s friendly win over Australia – has now been directly involved in 26 goals in 33 appearances for Villa in the Premier League under Emery.
Watkins is confident he can maintain that form and is eyeing a place in the England squad for next summer’s major tournament.
“Before I would run into the corner flags and be chasing things but now we have attacking full-backs that do that so I try to stay central. I make more clever runs, I would say,” Watkins told Sky Sports on his improvement under Emery.
“There were times where I was dropping too deep to get touches on the ball whereas now I’m not as bothered about that. I let the other creative players do what they need to do and receive the ball from them. I’m not too worried about touches. It’s working well.
“Over 20 goals and going to the Euros is what I want to do. That’s my goals and it’s what I’m pushing for. I know my club form has to be good with Villa.”
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