Ollie Watkins: From overlooked understudy to folk hero in England
Like all of England's previous knockout matches in this tournament, the match appeared certain to go into Extra Time until Watkins' moment of brilliance.
Ollie Watkins was Harry Kane's backup until ninety-one minutes into England's semifinal match against the Netherlands. Watkins had difficulty breaking into the lineup. The 28-year-old turned into a national hero after the final whistle, winning 2-1 to guarantee England's spot in the championship game.
The Aston Villa striker's expression was one of unrestrained excitement, occasionally revealing a sense of amazement, as he wheeled away in celebration after breaking through the Dutch defense in the last moments of a tightly balanced encounter. This was not part of the script, but on Wednesday night in Berlin, the best-laid plans were upended and cast aside as Watkins turned into the most unlikely hero in a story that will be told for decades to come.
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