I want to be the man’ – Harry Kane sent strong warning by Ollie Watkins over England spot as strikers prepare for Champions League showdown

Ahead of Aston Villa hosting Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night, striker Watkins spoke about his plans to become the Three Lions’ first-choice striker and his relationship with former Tottenham star Kane.

• AFP

  WHAT OLLIE WATKINS SAID

  On his international aspirations, he said: “Everyone is fighting for a position on the pitch so I want to be the man to play but day in day out. Harry and I have a good relationship. When I’m in the camp I speak to him so there’s no animosity. I’m doing all I can to be on the pitch and so is he. He’s got the records and scored the number of goals he has for a reason. He’s put in a lot of hard work over the years to get there.”

• • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Kane and Watkins have been in red-hot form over the past year or so, posting some of the best goal-scoring numbers in Europe. There is a chance they will face off against one another in the Champions League at Villa Park, although Kane did suffer an ankle injury last weekend. If Watkins wants to be top dog for England, performing on nights like these may be key.

  • Getty

    WHAT NEXT?

    Interim England boss Lee Carsley will name his squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League games against Greece and Finland in the coming days. It remains to be seen who will start up front in those fixtures.