- Listen to It’s all just beginning! EUROS DIARIO: How England’s players performed at the level we’ve seen in the Premier League
- Watkins’ superb last-minute goal sent England into the Euro 2024 final
- The Aston Villa star made an impact after replacing Kane late in the game against Dortmund
England captain Harry Kane has praised Ollie Watkins after the striker’s last-minute goal against the Netherlands earned them a place in the Euro 2024 final.
Watkins emerged as England’s hero in the 2-1 win at Dortmund on Wednesday night, scoring a brilliant winner from substitute fellow-column Cole Palmer’s pass.
The Aston Villa striker had come off the bench in the 81st minute when England manager Gareth Southgate made the bold decision to take off Kane.
Kane was full of praise for Watkins’ impressive impact, showing no signs of disappointment after being withdrawn in the closing stages.
“We’re a great team that’s always prepared, everyone is ready when it matters,” Kane told ITV after the match.
Harry Kane, centre, praised Ollie Watkins’ impact as England reached the Euro 2024 final
The Aston Villa striker’s perfect strike came at the end of normal time and proved decisive.
Watkins made a surprise impact after coming on for Kane in the closing stages of the game in Dortmund.
‘You may have five minutes, you may have one minute, but you can make the difference, you can win us the tournament.
‘Ollie has been waiting, he has been patient, what a finish.
“I’m very happy about it, 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 in the tournament during England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark in the group stage before being called up by Gareth Southgate on Wednesday.
Watkins admitted he had been biding his time for the past few weeks and expressed his delight at sending England to a second successive European Championship final.
“Amazing. I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks.
“It’s taken me a lot of work to get to where I am today. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity and to have made the most of it. I’m delighted.”
Kane was one of the first players to celebrate with Watkins when the final whistle blew.
Watkins was named Man of the Match for his last-minute contributions against the Netherlands.
Watkins also revealed 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’ lives, I said to Cole Palmer, we’re going to go in there and you’re going to set me up today.
“And that’s why I was so happy. I knew that as soon as I had the ball I was going to play and then you have to be ambitious: touch and finish.
“And when I saw him go to the corner below… oh my life.
“I’m speechless. When you score a goal, you get emotional, but this is a different feeling, like in slow motion. I didn’t want to leave the field, I just wanted to enjoy it. I don’t think I’ve ever hit a ball so well.”
Kane had earlier equalised for England from the penalty spot following a controversial penalty award.
The England captain equalised after Xavi Simons’ opener, and his third goal of the tournament made Kane joint top scorer in Germany.
