New Delhi: Ollie Watkins’ rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. Once a non-league prospect, the Aston Villa striker has become a national hero, with his winning goal in the 90th minute of the semi-final against Netherlands. The goal immediately sent England to their consecutive Euro final and their first-ever final on foreign soil. Let’s take a look at the journey of the star.
Rise to Premier League stardom:
Unlike many English players, Watkins’ professional career began modestly at Exeter City. Despite the lack of glamour, his talent shone through. His first manager at Exeter praised him, saying, “He had the perfect attitude, the perfect character and physical ability.”
Ollie Watkins steadily climbed the football pyramid. At 18, he made four first-team appearances for City before being sent on loan to Weston-super-Mare. After displaying promising form there, with 10 goals in 18 starts, he broke into the Exeter team as a striker. Later, in 2017, he left Exeter and joined Brentford.
At Brentford, Watkins blossomed and scored another 49 goals in 143 games for the Bees before he became the most expensive Championship player ever when he joined Aston Villa three years later.
Aston Villa and the national team breakthrough:
In the summer of 2020, Aston Villa secured Ollie Watkins’ services for a reported fee of £28 million. The move reunited him with his manager at Brentford, Dean Smith. He seamlessly adapted to the Premier League, showcasing his pace, power, and clinical finishing. He netted 70 goals in 169 games at Villa, hitting 19 Premier League goals last season to take his team into the Champions League.
Watkins’ impressive performances for Villa caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate. In March 2021, he received his first call-up to the national team. Watkins debuted against San Marino as a second-half substitute in a FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier, scoring a goal in the 5-0 victory.
Watkins’ fairytale continues:
Watkins’ recent performances have solidified his status as a national hero. His brace against the Netherlands in the 90th minute was a moment of pure magic. The first goal was a composed finish from captain Harry Kane, while the second came from him, sealing the deal for England.
After the match, Watkins spoke to the media, expressing his delight, saying, “I didn’t dream about that, to be honest. I can’t lie and say I did. Scoring for England is amazing, but I didn’t think I’d do it in a tournament like that.”
In just 10 touches he had in the tournament, he delivered a special moment for his team. Captain Harry Kane lauded him for his performance, saying, “What he did was outstanding, and he deserves it.” Another comment came from the ex-England striker Ian Wright, “Unbelievable moment. That’s what you have come on to do – just take a shot. What’s the worst that can happen? Ollie Watkins has done brilliantly.”
Looking ahead
At 28, Watkins is at the peak of his powers. With his talent, dedication and newfound confidence, he is well on his way to becoming a legend for club and country. With Watkins’ great presentation of skills, he might get a chance to start for England against Spain on Sunday night. Can he write another glorious chapter in his fairytale journey and bring the Euro 2024 trophy home for England? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: he has etched his name in England’s history with that unbelievable goal.
Discover the remarkable fairytale journey of Ollie Watkins as his last-minute goal secures a spot for England in the Euro 2024 final. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
