England’s Ollie Watkins is anticipating “a very exciting” showdown against Spain in UEFA Euro 2024 Final.
Watkins netted a 90th minute winner to complete England’s comeback semi-final victory over the Netherlands, having initially equalised through Harry Kane’s penalty after Xavi Simons had rifled the Dutch into a seventh-minute lead.
Reflecting on the fallout of that match which comes almost a decade since he played for then sixth-tier Weston-super Mare, Watkins iterated that his goal showed the importance of grafting and focus to achieve that ambition.
“It’s been an unbelievable feeling. I was trying to soak it all in because those moments don’t come around often. I believe with hard work and dedication you can put your mind to anything and it happened for me on Wednesday.”
Watkins also praised his teammates who hadn’t played much at the tournament as he continued: “The boys who haven’t played have had such a big part to play and been true professionals. Everyone’s together and I think it’s brought the group so much closer.
“Now I’m sure the lads are all aware there’s a lot of hype and the country is very excited. Our focus is on that final.”
Watkins though is wary of the danger that Spain poses in the Final tomorrow (14 July) with particular praise for Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, plus Manchester City’s Rodri.
“Spain have had some very tough games, they have probably been the best team of the competition so far.
“Their wingers are very dynamic, young, full of confidence and direct and Rodri is an unbelievable player.”
The 28 year-old Aston Villa forward – who previously played for Exeter City and Brentford – however warned that Spain can’t afford to underestimate the Three Lions, in spite of England’s sluggish performances.
“But we have goals from everywhere and world-class talent. It’s going to be a very exciting match and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“In the group stages we weren’t playing our best football, it doesn’t take a genius to work that out. The main thing is we weren’t losing games and as it’s gone further on we’ve been playing better football.
“We’re controlling games. If we go a goal behind we don’t crumble, we’ve shown the togetherness that everybody’s there to work hard as a team.
“We’re getting stronger. Hopefully we can get the job done.”
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