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Ollie Watkins has scored five goals in 19 appearances for England England head coach Thomas Tuchel is poised to hand striker Ollie Watkins his first international start since November in the friendly against Wales on Thursday night. Captain Harry Kane is unavailable after picking up a foot injury while playing for Bayern Munich at the weekend - but hopes to be fit to face Latvia in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier. It is understood Watkins is in line to replace England's record scorer as the lone centre-forward for the visit of Craig Bellamy's side to Wembley. The Aston Villa striker has been a regular in the England set-up since his debut in March 2021, but last started in the 3-1 Nations League victory in Greece - when he scored under interim boss Lee Carsley in November 2024. Watkins, 29, also famously netted a 90th-minute winner in England's semi-final triumph over the Netherlands at Euro 2024, booking their place in the showpiece against Spain which they lost 2-1. With Villa struggling at the start of this season, Watkins has scored just once, in his side's 3-1 win over Fulham. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is set to captain the side in Kane's absence. The 26-year-old was named on Monday by Tuchel as one of the options, alongside Jordan Henderson and John Stones. Follow your club with BBC Sport Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone Women's World Cup: India in control as South Africa slump to 81-5 England v Wales Q&A - Your questions answered on Tuchel, Bellamy and more Saudi sport supremo's Man Utd 'takeover' post prompts questions Get onboard and travel back in time on the railways The dark reality behind a viral tragedy in Dubai Step inside the cordon with Gwent Police Gorillaz covered by mgk in the Live Lounge 'The saint of Manchester' - Ricky Hatton and his city, a love story Rapper, philanthropist, muse. .. and Netherlands' record scorer Football regulator could force club owners to sell 'I was asking Chat GPT is this real? ' - Fraser & Tulloch on making black history. Video'I was asking Chat GPT is this real? ' - Fraser & Tulloch on making black history Does Federer have a point? Are courts being slowed to aid Alcaraz and Sinner? 'Questions will be asked' of Bompastor and Chelsea Mooney proves key as Australia overcome early scare to beat Pakistan. Video Mooney proves key as Australia overcome early scare to beat Pakistan 'Being gay in men's football is a very toxic place' How England's 'Golden Generation' describe the reasons why they failed 'One of our best ever' - why Pickford is England's undisputed number one Time for a 'gloves-off' Piastri v Norris title fight? F1 Q&A 'I deeply hurt people by moving to Saudi Arabia' The footballer who cycles to work after being inspired by Wenger 'The most wonderful human' - Greenwood leads support for ex-team-mate Moody 'England Golf needs government backing for 2030 Solheim Cup bid' 'Martin's excruciating Rangers era finally at a chaotic conclusion' Why Salah has become a 'little problem' for Liverpool 'I like to be famous but unknown' - Ekitike in his own words Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.