England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a selection headache after two of his preferred strikers, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, agreed moves to Saudi Arabian clubs. The transfers, reported on Monday, will take both players out of the European game, limiting their availability for international duty.
Watkins and Toney depart for Saudi clubs
Watkins, who has been a regular under Tuchel, is set to join Al-Hilal, while Toney, who returned to the squad earlier this year, will sign for Al-Nassr. Both players have been key figures in Tuchel's plans, and their departure leaves the England coach with fewer options in the striker position.
The moves reflect the growing financial pull of the Saudi Pro League, which has attracted a number of high-profile players in recent windows. For Watkins and Toney, the lucrative contracts on offer in the Gulf state proved decisive.
Impact on England's attacking options
Tuchel must now look elsewhere for firepower ahead of the upcoming international fixtures. With Harry Kane still the first-choice number nine, the loss of Watkins and Toney reduces the depth behind him, potentially opening the door for younger or less experienced forwards.
England's next squad announcement will be closely watched to see who Tuchel selects to fill the void. The manager has previously praised the qualities of both players, and their absence will be felt in the dressing room as well as on the pitch.
