England’s Euro 2024 hero Ollie Watkins was playing non-league football less than 10 years ago, with his former side Weston-super-Mare paying tribute to their former player following his stunning winner against Netherlands.
The Aston Villa star came off the bench to score in the 90th minute of Wednesday’s semi-final, sending the Three Lions into the European Championship final where they will meet Spain on Sunday evening.
Watkins, who scored 27 goals in all competitions for his club last season, had been limited to just 20 minutes of game time in Germany prior to last night, coming off the bench in the group stage match against Denmark.
But the 28-year-old took his chance when called upon, wonderfully turning Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij before hammering into the bottom corner of the net.
Watkins joined Villa in 2020 following spells with Brentford and Exeter City in the Football League. Nine years ago, he had just finished up a loan spell at non-league side Weston-super-Mare.
Watkins scored 10 goals in 24 appearances for the Conference South club during the 2014-15 season. Shortly following the final whistle in Dortmund on Wednesday night, his old club shared their fond memories of their former loanee.
‘Dreams do come true,’ the Somerset club wrote, alongside an old picture of Watkins wearing their colours and one of last night’s heroics.
His moment came after an inch-perfect pass from Cole Palmer, who was also introduced off the bench by Gareth Southgate as his side chased a winner.
Watkins revealed post-match he had predicted he and the Chelsea star would combine to send England fans into delirium.
‘I swear on my life, my kids’ lives, I said to Cole Palmer, “We’re coming on today and you’re going to set me up”, and that’s why I was so happy with Coley,’ Watkins told ITV Sport shortly after his moment of brilliance.
‘I knew as soon as he got the ball that he was going to play me in and you’ve got to be greedy, touch and finish.
‘When I’ve seen it go in the bottom corner… it’s the best feeling ever.’