Will Ollie Watkins Play in England vs Latvia?

When the Three Lions play Latvia in their sixth Group K match on Tuesday, the Daugava Stadium in Riga may host England's World Cup 2026 qualifying celebration. If Thomas Tuchel's team defeats the 11 Wolves, who come into the battle on a dismal six-game losing streak, they will secure a first-place finish.

Following a notification on Monday from the English Football Association, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been formally ruled out of England's World Cup qualifying match against Latvia. According to the report, Ollie Watkins will not play in the important away game since he has not fully recovered from an injury he had last week. Here's the Ollie Watkins injury update

Ollie Watkins Injury Update: Ruled Out

This Ollie Watkins injury update is a blow to England boss Thomas Tuchel, who was initially optimistic about the player's condition, stating Ollie Watkins' injury was "very painful" but believing there was "no harm done". However, the decision has been made for Watkins to withdraw from the squad ahead of the England vs Latvia match.

During the Three Lions' 3-0 friendly victory against Wales on Thursday, the striker took a knock and scored a goal. The 29-year-old was hurt after he stumbled into the goalpost while trying to score a second goal. After being pulled at halftime, Watkins has subsequently gone back to Aston Villa to receive more evaluation and care.

England's Squad Update Against Latvia

England captain Harry Kane was restricted to watching the Wales match because of an ankle injury. Before that win, though, Tuchel confirmed he was "convinced" the striker would be available for the England vs Latvia game. Tuchel has the same squad of players available to him, though that cannot be said for Bayer Leverkusen center-back Jarell Quansah, who has been withdrawn as a precaution from an injury not disclosed. With qualifying on the cusp of completion, the traveling manager mustn't make too many alterations, but Marcus Rashford and Kane, the former of whom could replace Anthony Gordon, could spark the Three Lions' attack in Riga.

With a victory in Riga, England will secure their trip to North America, thanks to Serbia's defeat to Albania on Saturday. With one game remaining, the visitors are eight points ahead of Serbia and four points ahead of Albania. England is the only team in any of the five-nation UEFA groups with a flawless defensive record, and they have yet to give up a goal in World Cup qualifying.