England striker Ollie Watkins made his first look within the knockout levels of a European Championship a particular second. Ten minutes after approaching in its place in opposition to the Dutch crew, he fired his nation into the ultimate, whereas just a few years in the past he needed to struggle for enjoying time in England’s fourth tier.
The Netherlands had Wout Weghorst who had predicted that he would rating within the group match in opposition to Poland, Watkins (28) went a step additional. Not solely did he predict that he could be decisive in opposition to the Netherlands, Watkins additionally knew prematurely that Cole Palmer would give him the help.
The Chelsea man discovered his compatriot with a deep ball, after which Watkins plunged the Dutch into mourning between the legs of Stefan de Vrij. It ensures that Watkins is the hero of England in the intervening time. A hero with a backstory. As a result of it was solely in 2020, after half a soccer life at decrease ranges in England, that Watkins made his debut within the Premier League.
Earlier than that, he labored his approach up within the soccer world via golf equipment resembling Exeter Metropolis and Weston-super-Mare. ‘I by no means considered enjoying for England in a European Championship. You may dream, however I am a realist. I used to be busy combating my approach into the primary crew at Exeter Metropolis. I’ve labored laborious to get up to now in my profession.’
Maybe that is why Watkins’ frustration grew. He performed twenty minutes within the group match in opposition to Denmark, however primarily stored the bench heat. ‘I do not like that. I’ve had the very best season of my profession and I bought a bit pissed off due to that. Mates stored me calm by saying that my likelihood would come.’
A doable subsequent alternative will come subsequent Sunday, when England will face Spain within the closing. Nonetheless, it’s anticipated that nationwide coach Gareth Southgate will merely select captain Harry Kane as striker once more.
Watch all our movies right here
