How Ollie Watkins’ mum’s rant into a mic at a pub came TRUE – after England’s goal hero was brought in from cold for semi winner

Ollie Watkins‘ mum’s wish for Gareth Southgate to finally let her son ‘come on the f***ing pitch’ was sensationally answered when the Aston Villa star fired England into the final of Euro 2024. 

The striker admitted that he had become frustrated by his lack of game time at the tournament, having only featured for 20 minutes in England’s second group stage match against Denmark. 

But with the Three Lions chasing victory against the Netherlands on Wednesday night, Southgate turned to the Villa star in a decision that granted the wish of his mum Nicola. 

Footage has emerged of her addressing England fans a few days before the game in Dortmund and she can be seen passionately imploring the England boss to reward her son with minutes. 

‘On Wednesday, [my wish is] that they finally let my son come on the f***ing pitch,’ She said to jubilant reactions from those in attendance.

Warning: Explicit language 

Ollie Watkins was England’s unlikely hero on Wednesday night after coming onto the pitch against the Netherlands

The Aston Villa striker scored a sublime goal in the 90th minute to fire England into Sunday’s final

Southgate’s side have become the first England team in history to reach the final of a major tournament overseas where they will face Spain in Berlin on Sunday.

And Watkins emerged as the team’s unlikely hero, with the game deadlocked in the 90th minute following goals from Xavi Simmons and Harry Kane. 

The 28-year-old revealed post-match that he predicted he would come off the bench and score in the semi-final: ‘I swear on my life, I swear on my kids’ life, I said to Cole Palmer, we’re coming on and you’re going to set me up today.

‘And that’s why I was so happy. I knew as soon as he got the ball he was going to play me and then you’ve got to be greedy: touch and finish.

‘And when I seen it go in the bottom corner… oh my life.

‘I’m lost for words, when you score there’s emotions that come through your body but this is just a different feeling it was like slow motion. I didn’t want to leave the pitch I just wanted to soak it all in. I don’t think I’ve hit a ball that sweet.’

His decisive contribution saw him awarded with the Player of the Match award and a memory that he admitted was beyond his wildest dreams. 

‘I didn’t dream about that to be honest as a kid, I can’t lie to you and say I dreamed about that,’ he added.

‘I didn’t think I would be doing it in a tournament like that. I never thought I would be playing in the Euros for England. You can dream but I’m a realist, I take it day by day.

Watkins was given a heroes welcome by England players’ friends and family after the match and shared a kiss with his girlfriend Ellie Alderson, while mum Nicola (right) watched on

The 28-year-old was awarded the Player of the Match award after his decisive contribution

‘I’ve put in a lot of hard work to get to this point. I’m going to enjoy every moment.

‘Recently I have obviously got a bit frustrated. I don’t like to be on the bench, I have had the best season of my career. A few friends messaged me and said be patient and the amount of people who messaged me tonight saying I would score when I come on was ridiculous.

‘Hopefully they can do the same for the final or give me the lottery numbers!’