“I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks,” Ollie Watkins said after scoring a crucial goal in England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands. With the clock nearing 90 minutes and the score tied at 1-1 in Dortmund, the ball found its way to the Devon-born striker, who just over four years ago was playing in the English Football League at the age of 24.
Watkins, now an Aston Villa star, skillfully turned Stefan de Vrij and delivered a powerful shot into the bottom corner, securing one of England’s most significant goals in history.
Reflecting on his journey, Watkins recalled his time on loan at non-league Weston-super-Mare from League Two Exeter City nine years ago. Asked if he could have imagined this moment back then, he said, “You can dream but I am a realist. I was just focused on getting back into the first team at Exeter. I didn’t dream about that, to be honest. Scoring for England is amazing, but I didn’t think I’d do it in a tournament like this.”
Watkins’ decisive goal validated Gareth Southgate’s decision to bring him on as a substitute for England’s all-time top scorer Harry Kane with nine minutes left in the game. He came on alongside Cole Palmer, who assisted in setting up the goal.
Former England captain Alan Shearer praised the substitutions on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying, “The changes were right and they were perfect.”
Before this, Watkins had played only 20 minutes in a major tournament, during the group stage against Denmark. He was previously left out of the Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup squads.
“When I was on the bench, I said to [sub keeper] Dean Henderson, ‘I can make a difference today and need to get on.’ I took my chance, scored it, and now we are in the final. One last game,” Watkins said.
England now prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, aiming to become European champions for the first time in men’s football. Watkins’ remarkable journey and his critical goal have become a defining moment in England’s quest for glory.
