Ollie Watkins publicly defends Jeremy Doku’s plan to return home during the World Cup to be with his partner for the birth of their first child, arguing family commitments should take precedence over football duties.

Doku’s wife is due in the second week of July during the World Cup quarter-finals, with Belgian media noting a private plane could facilitate travel to England.

Watkins notes support for Doku’s decision to travel to Europe in the second week of July and then fly back to continue the tournament, emphasizing there should be no outside judgment on such personal choices.

He acknowledges Doku could miss a potential quarter-final but backs his right to be with family and believes he’ll receive support to return as needed.

Watkins stresses that players are privileged and family considerations are legitimate, saying whether Doku goes back or stays is a fair, personal choice and not others’ business.

Public backlash against a critic who called the birth a 'disgusting moment' is noted, with that presenter later apologising.

Watkins reiterates Doku has every right to go back to support his partner and expects there will be support to return to the tournament promptly.

He rejects the notion that attending a birth is inappropriate or someone else’s business, affirming that welcoming a child is a blessing and players should prioritize family.

As a father of two, Watkins argues that being present for the birth is a blessing and that labeling such moments as disgusting is inappropriate.

Doku’s plan to travel back to Europe in the second week of July could mean he misses a potential World Cup quarter-final.