After coming on late against the Netherlands, the Aston Villa striker scored the game’s winning goal in the semi-final.
In Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain, semi-final hero Ollie Watkins claims he has what it takes to turn the game once more for England.
After entering the game against the Netherlands with nine minutes left in regulation time, the 28-year-old made history on Wednesday.
Watkins was a wise choice by Gareth Southgate to take Harry Kane’s place as the England captain after Kane’s penalty in Dortmund erased Xavi Simons’ first goal.
Introduction to fellow Cole Palmer, who is now prepared to have a similar effect coming off the bench in Sunday’s Olympiastadion final, slid in the Aston Villa shot to seal a thrilling 2-1 triumph.
To be honest, Watkins said, “It’s been an incredible feeling.””Although the goal surprised me, I wasn’t surprised that I achieved it because I have complete faith in myself.”
“I was certain I would score when I took the field. Although it’s been an incredible sensation, I’m not startled because I materialized it and had worked really hard to get there.
Watkins responded, “Yeah, definitely,” when asked whether it gives him greater confidence that he can make a comparable effect in the end. I’m prepared anytime needed because I have that fire in my belly.
“I’m hoping to be called back to the pitch so I can hopefully contribute.”
Despite making just two appearances in the tournament—a substitute against Denmark during the group stage—Watkins responded to the occasion.
Several players in England’s 26-man roster, including the striker, had to vent their annoyances during game time and made sure to celebrate his winning goal with the substitutes.
“Dean Henderson, the backup goalkeeper, said it was the best moment of his career and he didn’t even score the goal, which was nice,” Watkins remarked.
Every day, we’ve been putting in a lot of effort at work. Many individuals are blind to that.
We have all had successful seasons with their clubs, which is why we are here on merit. As inexperienced players, we are frequent starters, so it is undoubtedly difficult to adjust.
“The youngsters who haven’t even touched the ball in training have been great professionals, pushing the players every day and having a huge impact. I believe that the group has become more closer because everyone is together.
Together with skill and tenacity, that helped them get beyond a rough beginning to make it to the European Championship final for the second time in a row.
In the third men’s final in English football history, Spain, the defending champions, stood in their way in the German metropolis.
When asked if the Spanish manager of Aston Villa, Unai Emery, had communicated with anyone prior to Sunday’s match, he replied, “No, I haven’t received any texts.” Sincerely, I don’t even know the boss’s phone number!
“But I think I was going to after the other night, because I have had quite a few text messages.”
Beginning his career at Exeter and playing on loan at Weston-super-Mare as recently as 2015, Watkins has had a remarkable journey to the top level on the continent.
There is no more striking difference in the striker’s route to the Euro 2024 final than with that of Spain’s revelation Lamine Yamal, who turns 17 on Saturday and scored a spectacular goal in the semi-final victory over France.
“I definitely wasn’t preparing for a final, I can tell you that,” Watkins replied when asked what he was doing on his 17th birthday.
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