Joe Cole claims Ollie Watkins took his England chance against Australia… but warns the striker faces competition from Toney and Wilson for a spot as Harry Kane’s Euros back-up

• Ollie Watkins scored the only goal in England’s 1-0 friendly win over Australia 
• Joe Cole praised the Aston Villa star’s performance in a much changed side 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ 

Joe Cole has praised Ollie Watkins performance in England’s narrow 1-0 win over Australia, but warned the matchwinner still faces a battle to secure a spot at Euro 2024.

Watkins scored the only goal of the match at Wembley, with the Aston Villa striker turning in Jack Grealish’s cross shot in the second half.

The 27-year-old also had two chances in the first half, including seeing a shot cleared off the line after rounding Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

Cole, speaking on Channel 4, claimed Watkins’ goal was a reward for his overall display in a much changed England side.

The former Chelsea and England star suggested Watkins still has a way to go to secure a spot with Euro 2024, with Callum Wilson and Ivan Toney also vying to be Harry Kane’s deputy.

Ollie Watkins scored the only goal in England’s 1-0 win over Australia on Friday night

Watkins turned in at the back post in the second half following a cross shot from Jack Grealish

Joe Cole praised Watkins performance but insisted he faces competition for a Euro 2024 spot

‘He has done himself no harm. he looked comfortable and was running the channels well. 

‘We mixed the team up massively and as a striker you are looking for combinations, moving left and right and he did that. He got his reward. 

‘Him, Callum Wilson, Ivan Toney, those three are jostling behind the number one in Harry Kane. Maybe Gareth Southgate will take two of them. 

‘There is a long time to go. Toney has to come back, Wilson has the Champions League and could do something extraordinary. We have such competition for places.’

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