The forward scored for the Three Lions with a calm finish midway through the first half but gave fans a scare minutes later when he crashed heavily into the goalpost while attempting to add a second.

Watkins received treatment from England's medical team and looked in visible discomfort before being substituted at half-time for Marcus Rashford.

Villa supporters were left holding their breath as their in-form striker, who has been one of the Premier League's standout forwards this season, limped off just before the interval.

England manager Thomas Tuchel offered a reassuring update after the final whistle, confirming the injury was not serious. "He's ok," Tuchel said. "It was a clear goal normally for him, but he saw the ball too late, couldn't score, and crashed into the post.

"It was very painful, but as I understand it, it's only painful, no harm done."

Watkins later eased any concerns with a brief but positive message on Instagram, posting a photo of his celebration with the caption: "That felt good."

His goal capped a dominant first-half burst for England, with Morgan Rogers opening the scoring in the third minute by tapping in from close range after a quick break, followed by Watkins' strike in the 11th minute and a stunning long-range effort from Bukayo Saka in the 19th minute that curled into the top corner.

For Watkins, the night was a reminder of both the fine margins of international football, and his growing importance to England's attacking plans.

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