Aston Villa boss Smith: I want Watkins to reach England squad | OneFootball

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith says Ollie Watkins is capable of playing for England.

The former Exeter forward notched a well-taken hat-trick in the 7-2 rout against Liverpool with his Premier League tally standing at three goals from five games played.

Watkins is one of seven Villa players to have played every single minute this season and, ahead of Southampton on Sunday, Smith revealed the conversation he had with the striker before sealing the deal.

"The Olly I had at Brentford had an unbelievable attitude as a player," Smith told talkSPORT. "he just wants to get better but he always tests you as a coach, asking you what he can do to improve.

"One of his questions when I met up with him was: How can you get me in the England squad? That's his ambition and I love it when people have got them targets and the hunger to get there. Hopefully he'll get there - it certainly won't be for the lack of trying."