Ollie Watkins’ first football club members experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as England lost the Euro 2024 final.
The 28-year-old Three Lions and Aston Villa ace started his footballing journey at Buckland Athletic in Newton Abbot, Devon, in 2001.
The clubhouse erupted as Cole Palmer made it 1-1 last (14 Jul) night.
- Advertisement -
But the game ended in heartache as Spain won 2-1 in Berlin,
Watkins played for Buckland Athletic when he was six-years-old.
He came on as a sub replacing captain Harry Kane on 60 minutes and had a couple of chances.
Buckland Athletic chairman Nigel Holmes said members gathered in the clubhouse to watch the final.
On Monday morning he told What’s The Jam: “It was a rollercoaster last night.
- Advertisement -
“One minute we were down when Spain scored.
“Then the roof came off when Palmer equalised.
“And the rollercoaster dipped down again, didn’t it?
- Advertisement -
“But it’s been a fantastic tournament – incredible.
“And we’re so proud of Ollie Watkins.
“It’s been brilliant for the local community.
“He’s been such a fantastic role model.”
And he also felt manager Gareth Southgate got his match tactics wrong.
“I’d say go for it.
“I’d rather lose a game 5-4 and have a go.
“If you’re sitting back it only takes one slip and the other team scores.
“If you want to keep the fans onside they want to see attractive football.”
READ MORE: England fans slammed for branding local woman ‘DusselDwarf’ during Euro 2024
