England star Harry Kane makes feelings clear after being replaced by Ollie Watkins in Netherlands win

England Harry Kane Ollie Watkins Netherlands

England star Harry Kane has paid tribute to Ollie Watkins and revealed the forward has been 'waiting' for his chance to shine following his heroics against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 10/07/2024

- 22:36

Updated: 10/07/2024

- 22:55

The Three Lions have reached the final of Euro 2024 and will now face Spain on Sunday

England star Harry Kane has paid tribute to Ollie Watkins and revealed the forward has been 'waiting' for his chance to shine following his heroics against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

The Aston Villa hitman came off the bench after goals from Xavi Simons and Kane had the contest heading to extra time.


And Watkins stood up and made himself counted, with the 28-year-old's stunning low drive settling the match at the death.

England are now just 90 minutes away from ending 58 agonising years for a major trophy, with Gareth Southgate's side set to lock horns with Spain on Sunday night.

England

England star Harry Kane has paid tribute to Ollie Watkins and revealed the forward has been 'waiting' for his chance to shine following his heroics against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Kane could have been forgiven for feeling frustrated after being replaced by Watkins late in the game.

But the Bayern Munich star harbours no grudge about his team-mate stealing his thunder, with Kane hailing Watkins for his impact in a post-match interview with ITV.

The 30-year-old said: "History made. Amazing achievement.

"I'm so proud of everyone. Every player, every member of staff, I'm so proud of them.

"To do what we've done away from home is really special. There's that feeling there's one more left and we need to do that on Sunday.

JUST IN:BBC urged to 'get rid' of Gary Lineker after controversial comments in Spain win over France

"We talk about [Watkins] being ready. We're a big team at being ready.

"When it matters, you might get five minutes, one minute, but you can make a difference , you can win us a tournament.

"He's been waiting, he's been patient. What he did was outstanding and he deserves it."

England have been scrutinised for their abject performances out in Germany.

But Kane believes the Three Lions produced their best display of the tournament against the Netherlands when it mattered most.

READ MORE: Ollie Watkins makes 'swear on my life' confession after England heroics in Netherlands Euro 2024 win

"Especially in the first half we had a lot of control," he said.

"Second half there were a few tired legs out there. Overall I thought we deserved to win it."

One big talking point was the penalty that Kane received and scored from.

The former Tottenham star went down in the box following comments made by Denzel Dumfries.

Some, including Gary Neville, Roy Keane and Lee Dixon, feel the decision to give the spot-kick was soft.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

England Ollie Watkins Netherlands

England star Ollie Watkins produced a stunning late goal to give his side a 2-1 Euro 2024 win over the Netherlands

PA

But Kane insists there was enough contact for him to go down.

"My foot's hanging off so he definitely caught me!" he insisted. "Sometimes you get them sometimes you don't.

"I was happy to step up and see that go in the back of he net. It was a nice feeling for sure."

Now, England will have to overcome Spain to finally win a first major trophy since the World Cup back in 1966.

And Kane is excited to play in such a big match.

England Netherlands

England beat the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday night thanks to goals from Ollie Watkins and Harry Kane

PA

"Another unbelievably tough game. There's one more game to make history," he said.

"That's what we're excited about. It's been a tough journey but there's one more.

"90 minutes, 120, penalties, whatever it takes we'll be there. I'm looking forward to it."

You may like