Ollie Watkins screams in agony as England vs Wales halted due to injury scare | Football | Sport

Ollie Watkins experienced an injury scare during England‘s match against Wales on Thursday night. Watkins, 29, was given the opportunity to impress Thomas Tuchel at Wembley Stadium during the Three Lions’ friendly when he was asked to lead the line in place of captain Harry Kane. On his 20th cap, he quickly made his mark by scoring the second goal as Tuchel’s team surged into a three-goal lead inside 20 minutes.

The Aston Villa centre-forward had another opportunity to score towards the end of the first half, with an open net in front of him. However, Watkins missed the mark and somehow sent the ball wide of the post from Elliot Anderson’s cross. Things took a turn for the worse when Watkins collided with the goalpost straight after missing from close range, with the top of his shin appearing to take the force of the collision.

The match was halted while Watkins received medical attention after Declan Rice urged physios to come on and treat his team-mate. Captain for the night Rice and Anthony Gordon both appeared concerned while Watkins was down on the turf.

The striker was shown screaming in agony while he lay on the pitch holding his knee, but he was able to continue playing despite the impact. Watkins was eventually brought off at half-time with Marcus Rashford replacing him.

Stephen Warnock, commentating on the match for BBC Radio 5 Live, said: “Ollie Watkins looks like he is in serious pain, but he should score at the back post. There was a real worry when he clattered into the post. He looks like he is walking gingerly.”

Before adding: “Watkins cannot run. He is struggling to shake off the injury. Marcus Rashford is being put through his paces next to the technical area.”

Unai Emery and Aston Villa will be desperately hoping that Watkins is not facing a lay-off. He is the Villans’ first-choice No.9 and has completed the full 90 minutes in five of their seven Premier League games so far this term.

Villa have only won two of those and face Tottenham, sat third, away from home in their next match after the international break a week on Sunday (October 19).