Aston Villa fans won’t be surprised by what Ollie Watkins did against the Netherlands on Wednesday because it was unbelievable.
Big moments require big players and Watkins produced just that by scoring a last-minute winner to help England reach the final of Euro 2024.
There is a reason why he has 19 Premier League goals to his name for Aston Villa because Watkins has been transformed under Unai Emery and is now one of the best strikers in Europe.
Unfortunately, it has taken Gareth Southgate far too long to realise the Villa man’s brilliance, but he was brave in taking off Harry Kane against the Dutch with 15 minutes left, and the rest is history!
The scenes post-match were amazing, Aston Villa duo Alex Moreno and Morgan Rogers reacted to Watkins’ winner, as did Ross Kemp on Twitter.
Fans have been used to the actor and presenter reacting on social media to England wins, especially given that they have now reached back-to-back finals.
And he was sure to give Watkins his flowers by screaming down the camera and telling the Villa hitman ‘we love you’.
From Exeter City’s academy to helping England reach a European final, this has been some rise from the player and very much deserving for someone who has been consistently amazing for years and years.
But there is a long way to go just yet. Spain stand in England’s way of glory and Kemp was sure to highlight that whilst bigging up Watkins.
Ollie Watkins helps England beat the Netherlands in Euro 2024 semi-final
“Ollie Watkins, you did it,” shouted an elated Kemp. “We knew this change would work. Gareth Southgate, genius, genius, genius!
He then screams down the camera: “Ollie Watkins. We. Love. You. We. Love. You! We are in the final, unless were screw this up, which is not beyond us, but we are in the final.”
Should Ollie Watkins start against Spain?
To put it simply, he is doing more than Kane because he is far more active in the final third.
No one is going to argue against the England captain’s ability to put away any chance, but he seems very stiff in the final third and plays like he is carrying an injury.
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It’s far different to what Watkins is doing every time he comes onto the pitch because he is making the run in behind everyone is screaming for Kane to do.
That’s why it’s a valid question to ask. Should Watkins start for England against Spain in the Euro 2024 final?
The Spanish have been the best team in the tournament so far, and if England are off it by just a little, then they will get eaten alive, so Southgate needs to get his selection right from the get-go.
