![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Ollie-Watkins.png?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Ollie-Watkins.png?width=600)
England has every reason to celebrate, with the Three Lions punching their ticket to the Euro 2024 finals. Despite trailing by a goal, Gareth Southgate‘s men bounced back in style, registering a comeback 2-1 win. While skipper Harry Kane leveled things up for his country, Aston Villa hitman Ollie Watkins stole the show.
Gareth Southgate brought the star on as part of a double substitution with Cole Palmer in the 80th minute. With both Harry Kane and Phil Foden off, the two substitutes took it upon themselves to take England through to the finals. Palmer played a key role by providing Watkins with a perfect assist as the striker slotted the ball into the left-bottom corner in the 90th minute to send fans into a frenzy. Hence, his girlfriend reacted instantly.
Ollie Watkins’ girlfriend Ellie Alderson was also present in attendance for the game in Dortmund. Alderson took to her Instagram handle as she shared a story for her boyfriend with the words, “You deserve it.”
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Ollie Watkins sends @England to the #EURO2024 final! 👏 pic.twitter.com/z6hJMuavg7
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 10, 2024
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Fans and experts were quite pleased with the striker’s performance as he helped England turn the game on its head. However, while some might be surprised by the goal, Ollie Watkins had no doubt he would help his team make history as he took to the field.
Ollie Watkins stays true to his word
The England star knew he would be in for a treat as he talked about his conversation with fellow substitute Cole Palmer following the massive win. Watkins stated, “I swear on my children’s lives, I told Cole Palmer earlier in the day that we would come into the game, he would give me an assist, and I would score. And that’s exactly what happened.”
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The Aston Villa forward then added, “I’m lost for words, really. 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 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.”
England will now look to ride the momentum as they take on Spain in the finals. Both teams have been unbeaten so far in the competition and will be eager to wrap the tournament with a bang. Who do you think will win the Euro 2024; England or Spain? Sound off in the comments below.