- Former England internationals were overjoyed to see the Three Lions triumph
- Keane was slightly less candid about his emotions following the Villa striker’s effort
- LISTEN: Join us as we discuss the BIGGEST topics of conversation It’s all about to begin! EUROS DAILY. Available wherever you get your podcasts
Gary Neville and Ian Wright couldn’t contain their excitement as Ollie Watkins secured England a place in the 2024 Euros final against Spain on Sunday.
The Aston Villa striker was brought on as a second-half substitute by Gareth Southgate as England struggled to break the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.
Xavi Simons opened the scoring for Ronald Koeman’s team after just seven minutes with a beautiful strike, but Jordan Pickford was unable to stop it. Harry Kane, however, was able to score from the penalty spot after England were awarded a tricky penalty eleven minutes later.
However, Southgate was still keen to secure a result in regular time and took a gamble by bringing on Watkins and Chelsea star Cole Palmer.
The former Manchester City youth player provided Watkins with a pinpoint pass to deliver the winning goal, which the Villa player neatly drilled into the bottom corner, prompting wild cheers from Neville and Wright in the ITV studio.
Roy Keane (centre background) decided not to join in the celebrations of Ian Wright (foreground) and Gary Neville (centre)
The two former England internationals went wild in the ITV studio when Ollie Watkins scored
Keane looked aloof as Neville and Wright screamed themselves hoarse after the goal
But while Neville, Wright and Mark Pougatch jumped up and down, shouted and applauded Watkins’ strike in the 90th minute, Roy Keane was an absent figure on the touchline.
The former Republic of Ireland international turned and took a moment to reflect on the events.
After being named Player of the Match, Watkins said he had predicted in a conversation with Palmer earlier in the day that he would score the winning goal.
“I swear on my life, I swear on my children’s lives. I said to Cole Palmer, we’re coming and you’re going to hook me up today,” Watkins told ITV.
‘And that’s why I was so happy. I knew as soon as he had the ball he would play me and then you have to be greedy: touch and finish.
‘And when I saw it disappear into the bottom corner… oh my life.
‘I’m speechless, when you score emotions come through your body, but this is just a different feeling, it was like slow motion. I didn’t want to leave the field, I just wanted to take it all in. I don’t think I’ve ever hit such a beautiful ball.’
Watkins also discussed his problems with the England squad in Germany, where he was not given any playing time as Southgate kept faith with his preferred starting XI.
Watkins’ impeccable effort took advantage of Cole Palmer’s pass, which the striker had predicted before they were substituted
The Aston Villa striker said after the final whistle that he was keen to enjoy every minute of his European Championship experience
“I didn’t think I would do it in a tournament like this,” Watkins admitted. “I never thought I would play for England in the Euros. You can dream, but I’m a realist, I take it day by day.
‘I’ve worked hard to get to this point. I’m going to enjoy every moment.
“I’ve obviously been a bit frustrated lately. I don’t like sitting on the bench, I’ve had the best season of my career. A few friends messaged me and said to be patient and the amount of people who messaged me tonight saying I would score if I came on was ridiculous.
‘Hopefully they can do that for the final or give me the lottery numbers!’