Watkins’ Al Hilal debut signals shift for England’s strike‑force

Ollie Watkins’ first appearance for Al Hilal in Riyadh on Tuesday marked a striking moment for England’s strike‑force, as the former Aston Villa forward scored in a 3‑0 win over Ivan Toney’s Al‑Ahli. The match, played at the Kingdom Arena, came just 45 days after the two men shared the England line‑up in the World Cup 2026 third‑place play‑off.

Al Hilal’s striking need

Al Hilal have added the former Aston Villa forward to their attacking ranks, bringing an England‑qualified centre‑forward to the Saudi Pro League. The signing follows a period in which the club sought to refresh its front line ahead of continental commitments. Watkins’ arrival therefore plugs a profile that had been missing from the squad.

The debut took place on Tuesday at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena, a venue that replaced the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for the encounter. Watkins opened the scoring, contributing to Al Hilal’s 3‑0 victory over Ivan Toney’s Al‑Ahli. The win underscored the immediate impact of the transfer.

Watkins’ move to the Saudi Pro League means none of the three centre‑forwards named in England’s World Cup 2026 squad now feature in the Premier League. The trio – Watkins, Toney and Harry Kane – are all playing outside England’s top flight. This shift marks a notable moment for the Three Lions’ strike‑force.

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Both Watkins and Toney are 30, while Kane turned 33 in July and remains England’s leading striker. The pair are likely to spend the next two seasons in Saudi Arabia, putting them at 32 for the Euro 2028 tournament. Their age and league status raise questions about future selection.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has used both forwards sparingly, with Watkins earning six caps and 177 minutes and Toney 122 minutes across four games since the German took charge. Their limited involvement in crucial moments, such as the goalless draw with Ghana, suggests Tuchel may look elsewhere. The next Nations League fixtures and the Euro 2028 qualifiers will test whether the England strike‑force can evolve beyond the current trio.

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Watkins arrives with World Cup experience, having made two appearances for England at the 2026 tournament – a cameo against Panama and a half‑time substitution in the third‑place play‑off against France. Those minutes add a pedigree that Al Hilal can draw on in continental competition. His presence therefore enhances the squad’s international profile.