Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed ‘magnificent’ Ollie Watkins is going toe-to-toe with Man City’s goal-machine Erling Haaland.

Watkins has scored 11 goals in his last 12 games for Aston Villa and Ferdinand believes the Aston Villa striker should be part of the England squad.

Ferdinand said: “He couldn’t have done much more at all. He was magnificent.

“I’m talking from a defender’s point of view, if you asked me who would you pick out of Isak, Wilson and Watkins, Watkins would give you a hard day’s work.

“He asks you all the questions a defender doesn’t want. Are you willing to run into areas you’re not comfortable with? Are you willing to match him physically?

“He’s already on the move, he’s brave, he takes the ball at all times, isn’t scared to make mistakes and he’s got a humility about the way he plays as well.”

“I think he’s a fabulous player,” Ferdinand continued. “I mentioned his journey, coming from the lower leagues, through the ranks up into this position, he feels like it’s a privilege to be playing at this level.

“He works hard, he’s a really diligent, meticulous young man and he’s always striving to improve.”

Ferdinand added: “On form he can’t not be in the England squad. He’s sitting alongside Haaland since the World Cup.

“That tells you the level, that’s just crazy numbers. If he doesn’t get in I’ll be curious to know who gets in above him.”