Ollie Watkins is ‘humble, dedicated and likeable’

Fans across England erupted into celebrations as they watched Ollie Watkins’ 90th minute winner in Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands.

His legacy still has a huge impact on people in the town. Below, a few of his friends and former colleagues describe what he was like, and what his rise to fame means to them.

The striker, originally from Devon, was playing in the English Football League just over four years ago, when he was 24.

Now with Aston Villa, he is fondly remembered at Weston-super-Mare after his season with the club, when he was on loan from Exeter.

Dan Jackson was in the team at Weston-super-Mare at the same time.

Now working as a PE teacher at Kings Oak Academy in Bristol, he describes the striker as “humble”, who comes across as “incredibly dedicated” and “very likeable”.

Mr Jackson told the BBC: “When he came in, he didn’t come across as big time or any different. He wanted to get stuck in and just be a part of the group really.

“He saw it as a way of taking the next step.”

As a schoolteacher, his pupils now know he played with Ollie Watkins.

“Young people, they look up to him – it’s an inspirational journey they’ve seen somebody go on.

“It shows that if you work hard and are dedicated anything is possible,” he said.

The teacher said he was “buzzing” when the goal happened.

He said: “In the moment, it was instinct for him, but it was pretty special thinking he was associated with Weston.”

Mr Jackson is pleased that Watkins talks about his “roots” in media interviews.

“I think going through non-league, it keeps you resilient because you need to learn to have a living and he’s been there,” Mr Jackson said.

At Weston’s football club, there are signed Ollie Watkins shirts framed on the wall.

The club’s managing director, Oli Bliss, said: “It just seems so strange. Ten years ago he was here playing for us and then doing that in the semi-final for England.”

He said Watkins was “very level-headed, great attitude, good work ethic”.

Watkins was “good to have around the place” and would take the time to talk to the supporters and children, Mr Bliss added.

Watkins had only played 20 minutes at a major tournament before his goal on Wednesday.

When Watkins was on the bench, he felt he could make a difference to the game if manager Gareth Southgate played him.

He said: “I took my chance, scored it and now we are in the final. One last game.”