- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: How England’s players performed to the level we’ve seen in the Premier League
- Watkins’ superb last-minute winner sent England through to the Euro 2024 final
- The Aston Villa star made an impact after replacing Kane late on in Dortmund
England captain Harry Kane lauded Ollie Watkins after the forward’s last minute goal against the Netherlands earned a place in the Euro 2024 final.
Watkins emerged as the England’s hero in the 2-1 win in Dortmund on Wednesday night, firing home a brilliant winner following fellow substitute Cole Palmer‘s pass.
The Aston Villa forward had come off the bench in the 81st minute, with England boss Gareth Southgate making the bold decision to take off Kane.
Kane was full of praise for the stunning impact made by Watkins, showing no sign of disappointment having been taken off in the closing stages.
‘We’re a big team on being ready, everyone being ready for when it matters,’ Kane told ITV post-match.
Harry Kane, centre, lauded the impact of Ollie Watkins as England reached the Euro 2024 final
The Aston Villa striker’s inch-perfect shot came at the end of normal time and proved the vital decider
Watkins made a stunning impact after he came on for Kane in the closing stages in Dortmund
‘You might get five minutes, you might get one minute, but you can make the difference, you can win us the tournament.
‘Ollie’s been waiting, he’s been patient, what a finish.
‘I’m so happy for him, he deserves it.’
Watkins has had limited opportunities at Euro 2024 before his decisive contribution against the Netherlands.
The 28-year-old had only played 20 minutes at the tournament during England’s 1-1 draw against Denmark in the group stage, before being called upon by Gareth Southgate on Wednesday.
Watkins admitted he had been waiting for his moment over recent weeks, expressing his delight at sending England into a second successive European Championship final.
‘Unbelievable. I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks.
‘It’s taken a lot of hard work to get where I am today, grateful that I got the opportunity and I grabbed it with both hands. I’m delighted.’
Kane was among the first players to celebrate with Watkins as the final whistle sounded
Watkins was named Player of the Match for his last-gasp contributions against the Netherlands
Watkins also revealed that he predicted he would come off the bench and score in Wednesday night’s semi-final: ‘I swear on my life, I swear on my kids’ life, I said to Cole Palmer, we’re coming on and you’re going to set me up today.
‘And that’s why I was so happy. I knew as soon as he got the ball he was going to play me and then you’ve got to be greedy: touch and finish.
‘And when I seen it go in the bottom corner… oh my life.
‘I’m lost for words, when you score there’s emotions that come through your body but this is just a different feeling it was like slow motion. I didn’t want to leave the pitch I just wanted to soak it all in. I don’t think I’ve hit a ball that sweet.’
Kane had earlier drawn England level from the spot following the controversial awarding of a penalty.
The England captain levelled after Xavi Simons opener, with his third goal of the tournament making Kane the joint top scorer in Germany.