Both players were in action for Worcester Cavaliers last night against Northampton Wanderers, with Howard standing out as one of the best performers for the home side.
The 19-year-old charged down a conversion attempt from Will Hooley before finishing a free-flowing team move to score a late try.
Both players headed to an England Under 20 training camp this morning and admitted they were excited to be part of the set-up.
Howard said: "It's a massive honour. I've put in a lot of hard-work during pre-season so it's all come to fruition and I want to make the most of the training camps.
"It will help me because I will be able to experience a bit more of a pressurised environment. It will help me develop and improve and if I show I can cope and thrive in the bigger, pressurised matches, it will hopefully aid my selection at club level.
Howard joined the Warriors Academy on non-contract terms last year after impressing during his days in the Elite Player Development Group.
He is now contracted as an Academy player and has made a big impact thanks to his high work-rate and skilful displays as a wing and full-back.
He added: "I would like to get an England Under 20 cap this season and it would be nice to get some first-team action at Warriors as well. I want to get as much experience as possible and keep improving."
Watkins also admitted he was over the moon with his selection: "It's a major honour to play for your country. It's the pinnacle of your age group and it means a lot to me," he said.
"It will give me a lot of experience. At 18, I'm a year younger than the other players so it will be a real physical test for me.
The youngster also said he is hoping his experience for the Cavaliers will help him to improve over the next year.
He added: "I want to play A League matches all season and stay injury free so I can develop as much as possible. If I can play a cup game with the first-team, that would be a huge boost."
