England have been dealt a fresh setback ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Latvia, with Ollie Watkins forced to withdraw through injury.
The Aston Villa striker suffered a painful collision with the post while scoring in the 3-0 win over Wales and has since returned to his club after failing to recover.
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A statement on England’s official website confirmed: “Ollie Watkins has been ruled out of England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Latvia. The Aston Villa striker has not recovered from the knock sustained against Wales at Wembley on Thursday evening and has returned to his club.”
Watkins’ withdrawal adds to Thomas Tuchel’s growing selection headache, with captain Harry Kane also nursing a foot injury. The Bayern Munich striker missed the Wales friendly but is expected to return against Latvia.
Tuchel explained before the match: “Harry will miss the game. He got a kick in his last match with Bayern Munich. It was too painful to kick a ball… We are convinced that he will be ready for the match against Latvia.”
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With Watkins unavailable, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are among the options to play through the middle, while Jarrod Bowen could also be shifted centrally.
England will also be without defender Jarell Quansah, who returned to Bayer Leverkusen as a precaution.
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Tuchel’s side remain perfect in qualifying, with five wins from five and no goals conceded. Victory in Riga would confirm England’s place at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
