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Ollie Watkins credits Aston Villa boss Unai Emery for helping him make return to England squad as the Villa star scored to secure their 1-0 win over Australia

Ollie Watkins has praised Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery for helping him get back in the England squad.

The striker returned to the international scene for the first time since March 2022 and hit the only goal of the game as England beat Australia 1-0 in a Wembley friendly on Friday night.

Watkins, 27, has scored four goals and provided four assists in the first eight Premier League games of the new season - including a memorable hat-trick against Brighton.

He had scored just twice last campaign before Emery was appointed as Steven Gerrard's successor in November but then hit 14 in 26 matches following the Spaniard's arrival at Villa Park.