Aston Villa striker Watkins: Lack of press hurts my England chances

Football
12 Oct 2023 • 1:02 PM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

Tribal Football covers news from the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A

image is not available

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins fears a lack of celebrity status count against him at international level.

Watkins, who has been in good form this season, does not believe he always gets a fair shake.

He was recently removed from the England squad by Gareth Southgate, but has now been recalled for the October international games.

I go under the radar, I'm not talked about enough profile-wise," he told reporters.

I don't know if it's because of Villa. You get some players who are popular and out there. I'm not too fussed, I just like playing football. People have told me I need to push my profile but I'm just happy with what I am doing on the pitch.

The bigger you are, the more you are in the spotlight. It's not that I don't want that, but if I am playing well it should come naturally.

I don't really push the social media side. A guy in my agency is always saying to post more on Instagram but I wouldn't want to put anything out there that's not authentic.

If I'm scoring 30 goals a year and someone wants to do a sponsorship deal, they will because I'm doing well on the pitch. I've done an M&S campaign and my two-year-old daughter recognised me, but I am content if the fame and followers come, or not."

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved