Ollie Watkins was pleased to have played his part in securing a “great” result for England on Thursday night, as they beat Greece 3-0 in Athens.
The Aston Villa striker opened the scoring for The Three Lions just seven minutes in, converting Noni Madueke’s pull-back for his fifth international goal.
Watkins praised the performance and result from his international side, which took them to the top of the UEFA Nations League Group B2.
Speaking after the match, he said: “It’s a great result. A good reaction after playing them at home, obviously a loss.
“We had it in our minds that we needed to win tonight. It was a good performance, and we coped with their threat.
“Getting a goal early just settles the nerves, and obviously makes them come out, and they have to deliver and come out with a bit of quality to beat us and break us down.
“They didn’t do that tonight, we coped with them, and then we went on to punish them late on.”
Thursday night also brought debuts for three players in England colours, including Watkins’ Villa teammate, Morgan Rogers, who was introduced just after the hour mark.
The 28-year-old praised the impact of all three players who won their first cap, and felt this topped off a positive night for the nation.
“I feel like there’s always pressure whenever you put on an England shirt,” Watkins added.
“Representing your country is a massive achievement, but obviously a lot of pressure to deliver and bring that excitement. I felt like we did that tonight.
“There are players coming into the squad for the first time, making their debuts, and playing like that is unbelievable – the boys that came on and also started – so it’s a good night for us.
“It’s positive for the lads that came in, to show what they can do.
“Curtis [Jones], Lewis [Hall] and Morgan grabbed [the opportunity] with both hands, so delighted for them, and all round, a good night.”
