'It's a blessing' — Watkins defends Doku over childbirth decision

England striker Ollie Watkins has defended Jeremy Doku after widespread criticism over the Belgian winger's decision to leave the World Cup to attend the birth of his first child. Watkins hit back at viral comments labelling childbirth as a "disgusting moment", saying that welcoming a firstborn is a blessing that transcends football.

"Someone labelled it disgusting and I think for a start that's not a way to label a birth," the Aston Villa striker said. The controversy began on L'Equipe de Choc when Doku revealed he might leave his teammates in July for the birth. Journalist France Pierron had stressed the privilege of playing at a World Cup and called leaving that for childbirth "a disgusting moment, excuse my language, where the father is useless; he's just an extra." L'Equipe and Pierron subsequently apologised.

Watkins, a father of two, argued the experience of a firstborn should not be overshadowed by professional duties.

England

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