England manager Gareth Southgate said he was “chuffed” for match-winner Ollie Watkins and called his side’s late win over the Netherlands to reach the Uefa Euro 2024 final “special”.
Watkins’ clinical 90th-minute strike came nine minutes after the Aston Villa forward had been introduced alongside Cole Palmer, who set up his goal with a perceptive pass.
“The most important thing is that all of the squad are ready to come into the game,” Southgate told ITV Sport after England reached a second successive Euro final under his tenure.
“We felt, energy-wise, that we were starting to lose a bit of pressure, and Harry [Kane] picked up a knock. Ollie can press well and get those runs in behind. We felt it was a good moment to try it. I’m so chuffed for Ollie to get his moment.”
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Watkins goal ‘special’
England’s previous two knockout-stage matches in Germany had required an additional 30 minutes in a gruelling campaign for Southgate’s side, making Watkins’ brilliance all the sweeter.
Xavi Simons opened the scoring with a sensational finish, pinching possession from Declan Rice before rifling an emphatic finish beyond Jordan Pickford from outside the box after seven minutes.
HAS OLLIE WATKINS WON IT FOR ENGLAND?! 🏴🏴🏴
ASTON VILLA’S OLLIE WATKINS IS A SUPERSTAR SHOOTER! 🤩🎯#Euro2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/67Zpbwg6QQ
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 10, 2024
Kane won and scored a penalty 11 minutes later, sending a precise strike under Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s dive as the Three Lions restored parity.
“We played so well,” said Southgate, who replaced Kieran Trippier with the fit-again Luke Shaw at the break in Dortmund.
Gareth felt that one 😤#NEDENG pic.twitter.com/ItwV7TzHSh
— ITV…
Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/england-vs-netherlands-watkins-goal-euro-2024/
Author : Ben Miller
Publish date : 2024-07-10 22:02:37
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