SOUTHGATE HAILS WATKINS ‘FAIRYTALE’
Player, originally from fourth tier, scores as England rout San Marino
GARETH Southgate hailed Ollie Watkins’ “fairytale” England debut after the Aston Villa striker scored in a 5-0 win against San Marino in Thursday’s opening World Cup qualifier.
Just four years ago, Watkins was playing in English football’s fourth tier with Exeter.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise since then, joining Brentford in 2017 before moving to Villa last year after finishing as top scorer in the Championship.
He has scored 12 times in his first campaign with the Premier League club, earning a maiden England call-up and a debut against minnows San Marino at Wembley.
With England four goals up thanks to Dominic CalvertLewin’s brace, a first international goal for James Ward-Prowse and Raheem Sterling’s strike, Watkins came on after 63 minutes.
Set up by Phil Foden’s pass, Watkins scored with his first shot in an England shirt with a cool low finish.
Watkins’ beaming face and the jubilant celebrations of his teammates underlined what a special moment it was for a player who has had to fight his way to the top.
England boss Southgate recognised the significance of the moment, saying: “The first thing you saw was the reaction from the rest of the team. That shows you how together they are. They know what it means for him.
Watkins once spent half a season on loan at non-league Weston-Super-Mare, making him all the more appreciative of his instant success with England.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s what I’ve dreamt about to be honest. I’m speechless,” he said.
“It’s been a good journey. I just feel honoured that I can come out here and pull on the shirt and get the chance to play with the players I’m playing with and even score on my debut. I couldn’t write it, I’m over the moon.”
The San Marino match, tomorrow’s trip to Albania and Poland’s visit to Wembley on Wednesday are all World Cup qualifiers, but they serve as vital warm-ups for the delayed Euro 2020, which starts in June.