Moments earlier, the rest of England’s squad and staff stood back, allowing Watkins his moment alone here in front of the fans, who danced in the stands and sung their new hero’s name on repeat.
“I didn’t want to get off the pitch, I just wanted to soak it all up,” said Watkins afterwards. He was calm, but seemed a little dazed.
This was Watkins’ night, the Aston Villa forward coming off the bench and scoring with a brilliant, instinctive finish in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win over Holland and send England to a first major final on foreign soil.
It was another iconic England goal at Euro 2024, another moment for the highlights reel, a third magnificent strike in as many knockout games.
If Gareth Southgate’s side beat Spain in Berlin on Sunday, it will go down as one the most important moments in the rich footballing history of this nation.
This was Southgate’s night, too, and, when Watkins had had his fill, it was the England manager’s turn in front of supporters. He roared and pumped his fists.
These are the moments Southgate lives for, the reason he has continued to do the impossible job. There were no boos and no one pelted him with beer cups this time.
“We’re kindred spirits in many ways,” Southgate said of England’s travelling fans. “We all just want to be loved, right?”
England’s target has always been nothing short of winning these Euros but, whatever happens against a magnificent Spain side, Southgate has reconnected with fans and been vindicated for his approach once again. He keeps on proving his doubters wrong.
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