By England striker Ollie Watkins has made it clear that the team is not concerned about their performances or goal-scoring tallies as long as they secure victories. This statement comes as the Three Lions prepare for the Euro 2024 final against Spain, despite criticisms over their lackluster run to the tournament’s climax.
The Three Lions have reached Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain despite failing to set the tournament alight. Spain have netted 13 times with six victories in 90 or 120 minutes. This contrasts with England’s seven goals and three wins—excluding penalty shootouts—while playing against lower-ranked teams than Spain.
England’s boss Gareth Southgate and his players faced heavy criticism from fans due to an unconvincing run to the quarter-finals. However, a penalty shootout win over Switzerland followed by a 2-1 comeback victory over the Netherlands has shifted the national mood positively.
Watkins scored the 90th-minute winner in that semi-final victory over the Dutch, marking only his second substitute appearance of the tournament. Reflecting on his decisive goal, Watkins said, “I watched it quite a few times, when I got back to camp. I was manifesting it, as it has led up to it.” The Aston Villa frontman added, “A good friend said he felt like I would score in the Euros final, I did it a match before, but you never know, I might be saving another one for the final.
When asked about King Charles’ message to the team to win without any last-minute drama, Watkins stated, “As much as it makes it more exciting, I feel like personally we don’t care how we win or score, as long as the ball goes in the back of the net.” The 28-year-old emphasized that winning is the ultimate goal, irrespective of how the game unfolds.
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who started England’s first two games in midfield but has since made only substitute appearances, echoed Watkins’ sentiments. “This far you have to be elite in every department, which we have been,” he said. “We have found our rhythm now within the team, on the pitch and in the games at a good time as well.”
Alexander-Arnold added, “As the saying goes, it is not how you start, it is how you finish. We are finishing this tournament well and hopefully, we go out even better on Sunday.”
England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final has been fraught with challenges and criticisms, but the team’s focus remains firmly on securing the trophy. Watkins’ and Alexander-Arnold’s comments reflect a squad determined to triumph, regardless of the means, as they prepare to face Spain in a highly anticipated final.
Source: bbc.com
