Ollie Watkins has 'fire in my belly' for EUROs final
Match stats: Spain v England
Ollie Watkins is still buzzing from the 'unbelievable feeling' of scoring England's winner in the EURO 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday but has now turned his attention to making an impact in the final.
Spain await in Berlin in Sunday's showdown, with the striker expecting a very tough test.
But he stressed the squad are in confident mood heading into the game, with potential history on the line.
He said: "I've got that fire in my belly. I'm ready whenever I'm called upon. Hopefully I get the call to be on the pitch and can produce.
Ollie Watkins talks us through his 90th minute winner and those incredible celebrations that followed! 🥰#LionsDen connected by @EE 🦁 pic.twitter.com/lfhw0ICtO6
— England (@England) July 11, 2024
"It's been an unbelievable feeling. I was trying to soak it all in because those moments don't come around often. I believe with hard work and dedication you can put your mind to anything and it happened for me on Wednesday.
"The boys who haven't played have had such a big part to play and been true professionals. Everyone's together and I think it's brought the group so much closer.
"Now I'm sure the lads are all aware there's a lot of hype and the country is very excited. Our focus is on that final."
Watkins is in no doubt as to the threat posed by Spain but also believes the Three Lions have grown into the tournament themselves.
He said: "Spain have had some very tough games, they have probably been the best team of the competition so far.
"Their wingers are very dynamic, young, full of confidence and direct and Rodri is an unbelievable player.
"But we have goals from everywhere and world-class talent. It's going to be a very exciting match and I can't wait to be a part of it.
"In the group stages we weren't playing our best football, it doesn't take a genius to work that out. The main thing is we weren't losing games and as it's gone further on we've been playing better football. We're controlling games. If we go a goal behind we don't crumble, we've shown the togetherness that everybody's there to work hard as a team.
"We're getting stronger. Hopefully we can get the job done."