England have suffered an injury blow a day prior to the team's World Cup qualifier away to Latvia on Tuesday night (October 14).
Ahead of the The Three Lions travelling for the game in Riga, it has been confirmed by the national team that striker Ollie Watkins will not make the trip.
The Aston Villa star limped off at the interval in Thursday night's (October 9) 3-0 friendly win by Thomas Tuchel's side over Wales after an unfortunate collision with the goalpost in the first half.
After failing to recover from the knock, he will now return to his club for further treatment and attempt to be ready for Villa's trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon (October 19).
Ollie Watkins has been ruled out of tomorrow's @FIFAWorldCup qualifier against Latvia, having not recovered from the knock sustained against Wales.
— England (@England) October 13, 2025
Speedy recovery, Ollie! 👊
The incident was a massive shame for Watkins, as he seemed to be taking his chance to impress up top, with Harry Kane missing the game through injury.
The 29-year-old's 11th minute goal in the home nations clash at Wembley Stadium was his sixth in 20 caps for The Three Lions.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Watkins is the latest player to drop out of Tuchel's squad for the October internationals, after Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarrell Quansah returned to his club on Sunday (October 12) due to an injury issue.
Who could Tuchel deploy up front in Latvia amid injury issues?
With Kane having missed the game against Wales through an ankle problem, Tuchel will have a big decision to make over who he deploys as his starting striker against Latvia.
Kane could be fit to start at the Daugava Stadium as he took part in training alongside the other 22 players on Monday (October 13).
However, should the Bayern Munich star not be ready to play right from the off on Tuesday, Tuchel is likely to deploy either Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon as the starting striker in the Group K qualifier.
Gordon operated in the striker position in the second half against Wales after Watkins was replaced, so the Newcastle United forward appears to be the favourite to start up top should Kane not be an option.
England will be looking to make it six wins from six in qualifying on Tuesday night, as a win over Latvia would secure the team a place at next summer's World Cup.
England news and related links
Is Jude Bellingham injured? Why Thomas Tuchel left Real Madrid star out of England squad
Manchester City youngster receives England call-up after Reece James withdrawal