The man who saved England’s hope in the Euros wasn’t someone who would be expected as the hero heading into the tournament this summer. Maybe Harry Kane was prized to be the one who would score a last-minute goal, or the Player of the Year from La Liga, Jude Bellingham, would rescue a point or three for the England squad.
But, almost no one would have put down a bet that Ollie Watkins would be the man of the hour who would send England through to the tournament final in the last dying seconds of the game. He weighted the country on his shoulders and he took it in stride. But, what makes Ollie Watkins tick off of the soccer pitch, and what does his life look like at Aston Villa in the Premier League?
Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa
Ollie Watkins was born in southwest England and began playing at Torquay United, a tiny English football club that sparked his interest and love of the game. He went on trial at Exeter City Academy before he was even 10 years old, but wasn’t chosen for the team. After this rejection, many kids would give up and try a new sport or hobby — but Watkins became even more determined.
He went on to start his youth career at Exeter City in 2014 after trialing for the team yet again and making the squad. He then moved up to the senior team in 2014 at 19 years old, making 68 appearances for the team over the next three seasons. He also gained valuable experience during his initial year in English football by going on loan to Weston-super Mare and earning 24 appearances during his inaugural season.
Then, Brentford saw promise in Ollie Watkins and signed him in 2017, a home where he would go on to make more than 130 appearances for the club and score 45 goals. Aston Villa knew that his price tag would only rise the older he got, so they purchased Watkins from Brentford in 2020 — ever since heading to Villa, Watkins has made 146 appearances on the pitch and scored nearly 60 times.
Now, Ollie Watkins has been in and out of the England squad since his first call-up in 2021. Although many thought that he wouldn’t make it to the Euros this summer, he was in great form when Southgate made his final decision. Despite not getting a lot of minutes so far, his performance off the bench was one of the most impactful of the entire summer for the England team.
Watkins vs. Netherlands
Even though Watkins has only played 20 minutes in the last five games for his country — averaging just four minutes per match — that was all he needed to become the star in the tournament so far for his country. Southgate took off the captain, Kane, and the playmaker, Foden, to bring on Watkins and Palmer in the last ten minutes of the match.
And it turns out, Southgate was right. Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer combined well during their time on the pitch and scored the goal that would decide the game, sending England to the first-ever tournament final in another country.
Even pundits, commentators, and other coaches commended Southgate’s decision to make the sub when he did. Shearer, an ex-player and current commentator, noted that Southgate made a difficult call that ended up being the right one.
At times, yes Gareth Southgate has been criticized. But, in that first half tonight I thought it was magnificent, it was more like what we wanted – he deserves all the credit.”
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
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