Ollie Watkins, the hero of the semifinals, believes he has what it takes to turn the game for England against Spain on Sunday in the Euro 2024 final.
With nine minutes of regular time left against the Netherlands, the 28-year-old came off the bench to write his name in history on Wednesday.
Watkins was Gareth Southgate’s wise choice to start in place of England captain Harry Kane, whose penalty in Dortmund negated Xavi Simons’ first goal.
a fellow greeting Cole Palmer is now prepared to have a similar effect coming off the bench in Sunday’s Olympiastadion final when he slotted in the Villa shot to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory late in the game.
“To be honest, I’ve been feeling amazing,” Watkins remarked. “The goal surprised me, but I wasn’t surprised that I achieved it either, since I fully believe in myself.” I knew I would score as soon as I stepped onto the field. It’s been an incredible sensation, but I’m not surprised because I materialized it and had worked so hard to get there.
When asked if that gives him greater confidence that he can make a comparable difference in the end, Watkins replied, “Yes, without a doubt.” I am prepared to act when needed because I have that fire within of me.
“Hopefully I’ll be called to the pitch once more so I can hopefully deliver.”
When asked if he had received any texts from Villa’s Spanish manager, Unai Emery, before Sunday’s match, he said, “No, I haven’t.” To be honest, I don’t even really have the boss’s phone number!
“However, I’ve received a good number of texts, and I believe I was going to after the other night.”
Watkins began his career with Exeter and most recently played on loan at Weston-super-Mare. He has had a rapid ascent to the highest level of the continent.
The striker’s path to the Euro 2024 final could not be more different from that of Spain’s wonder Lamine Yamal, who turns 17 on Saturday and scored an incredible goal in the semi-final victory against France.
When asked what he was doing on his 17th birthday, Watkins said, “I can tell you that I was not studying for an exam.”
“He has amazing talent.” His skill is evident to everybody; he is a generational talent.
“He definitely has the world at his feet because it’s not often that you score goals against France in the top corner in the semi-finals of the Euros at the age of sixteen. When I was 16 or 17, he was miles ahead of me!
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