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OLLIE WATKINS incredibly predicted his dramatic winner against Netherlands that has sent England marching into the Euro 2024 final.
The Aston Villa striker, 28, lashed home a stunning stoppage-time goal to hand Gareth Southgate’s men a 2-1 victory in Dortmund.
But the crucial moment came as no surprise to Watkins – who claims he told fellow late substitute Cole Palmer they were going to be involved in a goal.
Watkins, who lashed home Palmer’s pass, said: “I swear on my life, my kid’s life, I said to Cole Palmer: we’re coming on today and you’re gonna set me up.”
The former Exeter and Brentford man had played just 20 minutes at the Euros before he came off the bench against the Dutch. But his 81st-minute cameo proved to be decisive as his surreal winner sent England fans wild.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Watkins said: “Lost for words really. When you score there are emotions that come through your body but this is just a different feeling. It was in slow motion when I ran to celebrate with the boys. I didn’t want to get off the pitch at the end, I wanted to soak it all in as it doesn’t happen often.”
He went on to add: “The ball came into me, hold up is not the strongest side of my game but the goal was my bread and butter. I said to Cole Palmer we were both going to go on the pitch and he would set me up and it happened. You don’t get that opportunity very often and I had to be greedy and take the shot. I don’t think I have hit the ball so sweet like that before.”
It was Watkins’ fourth goal in 14 England caps and adds to an incredible season. He scored 27 goals and assisted 13 in 53 appearances for Villa, inspiring them to Champions League qualification. After the match, the England players celebrated with wives, girlfriends, and family on the stands.
(thesun.co.uk/)
Online Reporter