England striker Ollie Watkins defends Doku's birth plan

England striker Ollie Watkins has publicly defended Belgium winger Jeremy Doku's intention to leave the FIFA World Cup to attend the birth of his first child, calling it a personal decision that should be respected. The debate was sparked after a French television presenter criticized the plan, prompting Watkins to argue that family matters should take precedence over football.

Watkins, a father of two, made his comments during a press conference on Sunday, June 21, directly addressing criticism from L'Equipe TV presenter France Pierron, who had described childbirth as a "disgusting moment" and questioned a father's role. "I think for a start disgusting is not a way to label a birth," Watkins stated. He emphasized the significance of the event, noting it is a unique blessing and that professional footballers, who spend long periods away from home, should not be expected to miss such a moment.

The Aston Villa forward expressed full support for Doku's choice. "I see where Doku is coming from. I think he has all the right to go back and be there," Watkins said. He added that Doku, as a privileged athlete, would have the support to travel quickly, be present for his wife, Shireen,...