Yahoo News Ollie Watkins' former club in Devon goes wild after striker fires England into Euro 2024 finals
Hometown favourite Ollie Watkins' old stomping ground couldn't help but erupt into celebrations after the Devon ace sealed England's spot in the Euro 2024 finals.
The Aston Villa ace, who is from Torquay and went to school in Dartmoor, used to play kickaround the Buckland Athletic in Newton Abbot when he was just six years old. Now 28, the Three Lions striker was brought onto the field in the 81st minute by Gareth Southgate, replacing skipper Harry Kane.
Moments later, Watkins scored a winning goal, knocking the Netherlands out of the tournament and sending the nation into celebration mode. On Sunday (July 14) at 8pm, England will now go head to head with Spain for the UEFA trophy.
A video of Buckland Athletic members celebrating the impressive goal perfectly sums up attitudes towards the 28-year-old.
"Our homeboy," said a spokesperson for the club, while others jumped up and down in joy.
One fan named Andy Hart raved: "Bleedy fantastic, get it." Rachell Malloch agreed, adding: "Love this, see you Friday Buckland." A third, named Ben Stuart, declared: " Exeter city's homeboy," while a fourth said: "Best striker I've ever played with, once a yellow always a yellow." You can view the cheery footage here.
Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group
After the final whistle, Watkins walked into the stands to meet his loved ones and shared a big kiss with his partner Ellie Alderson. She had donned an England shirt with the Aston Villa star's number 19 on it
"I'm lost for words, really," Watkins said. "When you score there are emotions that come through your body but this is a different feeling. It was slow motion when I was running over to the boys and celebrating.
"I didn't want to get off the pitch at the end because I wanted to soak it all in because it doesn't happen very often really. The goal is my bread and butter, running in behind and causing defence trouble."
Odds are currently in favour of Spain coming out of the finals triumphant, but with the Devon lad coming into his prime - it might finally be coming home.
Got a Euro 2024 story to share? Email liam.gilliver@reachplc.com
