Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins was England’s hero at Euro 2024 as the striker scored the goal to send the Three Lions to the final.
England fans are still recovering from the late joy during the Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday night.
Aston Villa supporters may be needing additional recovery time, as it was Ollie Watkins who sent Gareth Southgate’s side to the final.
It was a remarkable moment for Unai Emery’s talisman to net the late winner, scoring a goal that meant so much for many reasons.
- READ MORE: Monchi posts five-word reaction to Ollie Watkins goal that every Aston Villa fan will agree with
Ollie Watkins broke a European Championship and World Cup record with Euro 2024 semi-final goal
When England needed a goal, up stepped Watkins to send the country into pandemonium with seconds to play in normal time.
In fact, it was merely a second left to play on the clock, as Watkins’ goal clocked in at 89:59, reinforcing the pressure that the Villa man overcame to finish so expertly.
The goal not only fired England into the final but also fired Watkins into the record books as he broke one remarkable feat.
With one second of the 90 remaining, the Villa striker became the player to score the latest winning goal in the semi-final of a European Championship or a World Cup.
From the reaction of the forward to the reaction of his teammates and fans worldwide, it was a truly special strike from the 28-year-old, who had waited patiently for his moment.
Watkins will be eyeing Aston Villa records next season
Watkins may not be aware that he has broken the record for the latest goal however, he will be wary of what he can break at Villa next season.
Last term, the Englishman was just one goal away from becoming Villa’s highest scorer in a single Premier League campaign, needing 20 to surpass Christian Benteke’s 19.
- READ MORE: Watch Ross Kemp’s amazing reaction to Ollie Watkins’ winner as England reach Euro 2024 final
While Watkins may have been disappointed not to break the record, the 2024/25 calendar will provide the goal-scorer with an even greater prize to aim for.
Currently sitting on 59 Premier League goals for Villa, the England international requires just 16 goals next season in the league to become the club’s highest-ever goalscorer in the competition.
Last campaign was a memorable one for Watkins, with the summer proving to be no different as he became Southgate’s hero, seeing his new record become simply an added bonus.
