Ollie Watkins “manifested” firing England into the Euro 2024 final after telling fellow super-sub Cole Palmer that they would combine to create a stunning 91st minute winner against the Netherlands.
Watkins and Palmer were sent on by manager Gareth Southgate in a bold double change, replacing Harry Kane and Phil Foden with extra time looming against the Dutch in Dortmund.
And Southgate’s gamble paid off as Palmer set up Watkins, with the Aston Villa striker sending England through with a stunning touch and finish into the corner.
Speaking after the game, Watkins revealed he told Palmer he would set him up to score the winner as they prepared to come onto the pitch in the semi-final.
Watkins had played just 20 minutes for England before the semi-finals, but was called on from the bench with the Netherlands game level at 1-1.
“I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks,” Watkins told ITV. “It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am today. I’m delighted.
“I swear on my life that I said to Cole Palmer that he’s going to set me up today and I’m going to score. It’s the best feeling ever.
“There’s been a lot of criticism but we’re in the final and that’s all that matters.
“We’ve got that bounce back factor. Going behind seems to kick us into gear.
“We’ve won on penalties and come from behind.”
Watkins was named player of the match for his role as super sub.
“I’m lost for words, really,” Watkins said at a press conference afterwards. “When you score there are emotions that come through your body but this is a different feeling.
“It was slow motion when I was running over to the boys and celebrating.
“I didn’t want to get off the pitch at the end because I wanted to soak it all in because it doesn’t happen very often really.
“The goal is my bread and butter, running in behind and causing defence trouble.
“I said to Cole we were both going to get on the pitch and he was going to set me up at half-time. It happened. I manifested it.
“As soon as he turned I knew to make the move. You don’t get that opportunity very often. I had to be greedy.
“I’ve seen it go in the bottom corner. I don’t think I’ve hit the ball that sweet before in such a special moment.”
Kane praised Watkins for his role in England’s win and said he “deserves” his moment.
“We talk about being ready. We’re a big team at being ready,” Kane said.
“When it matters, you might get five minutes, one minute, but you can make a difference , you can win us a tournament.
“He’s been waiting, he’s been patient. What he did was outstanding and he deserves it.”