Ollie Watkins was buzzing during a presser after his last-minute winner for England against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Wednesday, July 10.
Watkins was brought on in the 81st minute for Harry Kane alongside Cole Palmer, who replaced Phil Foden.
Coincidentally, the two substitutes combined to give England the much needed goal, with Palmer setting up Ollie Watkins in the 1st minute of stoppage time.
The Stunning Goal By Ollie Watkins Against The Netherlands
Palmer received a pass from Declan Rice, with the Chelsea man turning and driving forward before serving the ball through to Watkins.
Ollie Watkins took the ball in close control, before turning superbly inside the box and hitting a quick shot, beating Dutch goalie Bart Verbruggen and arrowing into the bottom corner.
Ronald Koeman’s side immediately experienced utter delirium as England were basking in cacophonic and unbridled joy.
Speaking during a presser after the encounter when questioned over how the goal came about, Watkins was utterly delighted, sounding like it was destined to happen.
He said: “I said to Cole Palmer we are coming on today and you are going to set me up.”
Ultimately, fate happened with both players combining well to hand England the ticket to the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
The goal by Watkins was his 4th goal for the Three Lions in 14 appearances and his 1st goal at a major tournament for the country.
Who Is Ollie Watkins?
Oliver George Arthur Watkins is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for English side Aston Villa and the England national team.
Watkins was born on December 30, 1995, and he is currently 28 years old. He is seen as one of the best strikers in the Premier League due to the brilliance he accentuates for Aston Villa.
Clubs Watkins Has Played For?
The Englishman has played for just 4 clubs in his career, namely; Exeter City, Weston-super-Mare, Brentford and currently Aston Villa.
Ollie Watkins ended the 2023/24 season as the 4th top scorer in the Premier League with 19 goals, behind Alexander Isak, Cole Palmer and top-scorer Erling Haaland.
He provided the most assists (13) during the 2023/24 season, clinching the playmaker award for the campaign.
His Position
Watkins plays primarily as a striker but his combination play is second to just a few across the globe.
The attacker can also function as a left or right winger when need be.
His ability to also drift into spaces, beat players with fabulous dribbles and set-up others is amazing.
Watkins’ Market Value And Contract Details
Ollie Watkins’ market value is €65 million according to Transfermkt and his contract with Aston Villa runs until June 30, 2028, having penned a five-year deal in October 2023.
Ollie Watkins Salary At Aston Villa
Watkins earns about €154,000 per week at Aston Villa and his net worth is estimated to be within the region of €18 million – €20 million.
Ollie Watkins Career Stats
He has scored 145 goals and provided 60 assists in 390 appearances across all competitions thus far in his career.
Internationally, the Torquay-born footballer has made 14 appearances for England, scoring 4 goals and providing no assist.
Ollie Watkins Personal Details
Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins mother, Nicola, is from England, while his father, Les, hails from Jamaica.
Ollie Watkins’ Girlfriend And Children
Watkins is dating girlfriend Ellie Alderson, who was born on June 3, 1996, and they have two children together, a daughter, Amara May, born in 2020 and a son, Marley, born in 2023.
Ollie Watkins has been dating his partner, Alderson, since 2018 and their relationship has continued to blossom.