Midfielder Jude Bellingham said England’s players were “buzzing” for Ollie Watkins and would go “toe-to-toe” with a Spain side on a run of six wins when the teams meet in the Uefa Euro 2024 final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday (20:00 BST).
Bellingham was spared a third successive match involving extra time at the finals when Watkins’ ruthless 90th-minute strike sent the Three Lions through with a 2-1 win at the Netherlands’ expense in Dortmund.
“We’re really grateful because I don’t know if I had another half an hour in me,” Real Madrid sensation Bellingham told ITV Sport.
“I’m so happy for him. He came on and took his opportunity. I couldn’t be prouder. The whole team are buzzing for him. He’s the hero and he saved us.”
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England vs Spain: La Roja ‘amazing’
Spain have had a more serene path to the final, although they came from behind to beat France 2-1 in the final four on Tuesday.
Bellingham’s overhead kick in the fifth minute of added time in the second half of regular time kept England in the tournament in the round of 16 against Slovakia.
Harry Kane swiftly scored during the additional 30 minutes to secure a 2-1 win on that occasion, but Switzerland pushed England further in the quarter-finals, Bellingham taking part in their perfect shoot-out as Jordan Pickford’s save from Manuel Akanji decided the game.
HAS OLLIE WATKINS WON IT FOR ENGLAND?! 🏴🏴🏴
ASTON VILLA’S OLLIE WATKINS IS A SUPERSTAR SHOOTER! 🤩🎯#Euro2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/67Zpbwg6QQ
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 10, 2024
“In these games, we come together like no other team,” said Bellingham. “We’ve delivered again. These moments are great. They bring us together as a team and a family. It’s about bringing that into the final.
“Spain have looked amazing. They’ve been really good but it’s a one-off game and anything can happen. I’m sure we’ll sit down, look at them and do the right analysis. It’ll be interesting to go toe-to-toe with them.”
Euro 2024 final: England seek redemption
Xavi Simons opened the scoring in England’s semi-final with a sensational finish, pinching possession from Declan Rice before rifling an emphatic finish beyond Pickford from outside the box after seven minutes.
Kane won and scored a penalty 11 minutes later, sending a precise strike under Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s dive.
Watkins’ heroics mean England are in a second successive Euro final, having lost to Italy on penalties in the decider at the 2020 edition.
