Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins stole the nation’s hearts on Wednesday night as he fired England to the final of Euro 2024.
Finally, Ollie Watkins got the recognition he deserved this summer as the Aston Villa marksman led England to the Euro 2024 final.
The striker netted a 90th-minute winner to send fans all over the country into jubilation, booking Gareth Southgate’s side a place against Spain in Berlin.
Everyone at Villa will be bursting with pride for Watkins, who has had to be patient to earn his chance to shine at the tournament.
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Steven Gerrard and Premier League stars react to Ollie Watkins Euro 2024 semi-final goal for England
Only Watkins will truly know how it felt to score the late winner however, many across the country will have some idea of the delight the Villa man will be feeling.
After scoring the match-winner and picking up Man of the Match for his nine-minute cameo, Watkins took to social media to express his joy.
The Villa striker captioned a series of photos from the night by saying, “Show time baby”, and was met with a flood of well-wishes from footballing figures past and present, read a selection of them below.
- Bukayo Saka: 😍
- Declan Rice: So happy for you
- Kobbie Mainoo: Clutch
- Ivan Toney: What a guy mannn!!!
- Kyle Walker: 🔥
- Matty Cash: What a player
- Steven Gerrard: ❤️🔥
- Ezri Konsa: ❤️❤️
- Morgan Rogers: My Striker
- Aaron Ramsey: Unreal bro!
- Cameron Archer: Love it
- Lucas Digne: Well deserved
Understandably, the Villa man will have been inundated with congratulations for his stand-out moment, with another task to now overcome on Sunday.
Aston Villa fans will be so proud of Watkins
Having only played 20 minutes at the Euros prior to Wednesday night’s antics, Watkins had to be patient to earn his chance to shine.
Last season, the Villa man was the catalyst behind the club’s success, contributing to 40 goals in 53 appearances over the 2023/24 calendar.
Everyone in B6 knows what the striker is capable of, with his moment at the Euros just proving to any possible doubters that his presence can’t be ignored.
Southgate’s substitution paid off, with many calling for Harry Kane to be omitted to add a different approach in attack.
Watkins came on and provided the moment England fans had been waiting for, as his movement and composure broke Dutch hearts in the dying embers.
The Villa star will have the attention until Sunday, where a shot at bringing home major tournament silverware for the first time since 1966 awaits England.
