Watkins: “We have to stop the ball from reaching Rodri”

Ollie Watkins is still hungover after becoming England’s hero by scoring the winning goal against the Netherlands in the semi-final. This seems to be the case in Blankeinhain, a German town where the German team trains and where there is still a certain euphoria about what he achieved in Dortmund.

However, the Aston Villa forward opted to stay on the ground ahead of the final against Spain. They put on their overalls to prepare for Sunday’s clash and are in a bubble that keeps them away from distractions. A game they focused on with one priority: stopping Rodri.

Emotions after the goal: “An incredible feeling. I was surprised by what he did, I knew he could score if he came out, I had that feeling. I worked to get to that moment.”

Your few minutes: “I’m ready when they need me. “I hope I’ll be lucky enough to get out on the field again and score.”

The team moment: “We worked hard every day. We had a good season with the teams. It’s hard to adapt when you’re not playing, but training, there’s a good feeling… The players are very professional. The team is very united.”

Euphoria in England: “I spoke to Kane this morning about the subject. These are the moments that don’t happen often. You are in the bubble, you continue the routine, you go back to the coach and you go to training the next day. Sure I have excitement before the game, but our focus is on the final.”

No contact with Emery: “I have not received any message from Emery. I don’t have a coach’s number (laughs). Yes, I received some messages, but I think it’s normal after a day.”

Game improvement: “In the group stage we didn’t play our best football, everyone knows, with us. We don’t want to lose games, we improve in the game during the tournament. By controlling the game, even if we are behind. the scoreboard we were not Nervous and we turned it around.

Different forward profiles: “We are three forwards, all attributes are different. As a coach, you want all possible options well covered. It’s ideal that you have them, so you can choose between different players.”

First memory of an England match: “I don’t remember the first game, or anything like that. But soon I remembered I was wearing an England goalkeeper shirt. “I enjoyed the moment and now it’s crazy that now I’m going to be part of an ending.”

Last minute goals: “That’s where they are most excited. We don’t care how we win. “We want to win the game.”

General purpose: “As an attacking player you want to score as many goals as possible. But we are all focused on the collective prize, on winning the Euro Cup. We have our eyes on it. We have to respect Spain because they are a good team. “This will be a complicated match.”

Lamine Yamal and his 16 years: “Maybe at that age I wasn’t preparing for the final. He’s an amazing player, we’ve all seen what he can do. He is a generational talent, he scored a great goal in the Euro semi-final at that age. “He had the world at his feet, he was miles away from me at 16.”

Laminar Pressure: “I can’t imagine. Obviously there are social networks… the height of being at Barça, playing for Spain… There’s a lot around it. You have to have people around to keep you grounded. “This is what I have .”

Mainoo impressed: “Kobbie is a young player, but he doesn’t act his age when he’s on the field. He is very comfortable with and without the ball. He asks for it. He’s so young and plays at such a high level… You never think he can play at this level at his age. “He has a bright future.”

Spain is the favorite: “I think we are very strong, but Spain had difficult games, they have more complicated rivals than us. Italy, Germany, France… great teams. I understand what they say, they are probably the best team in the competition by far.”

Best weapons in Spain: “Spain’s wingers are very dynamic, young, confident and direct. But we also have players capable of scoring everywhere, players with world-class talent. “I can’t wait for the game to come and I hope we win.”

What do you think of Spain’s game: “To be honest, we are in a bubble, focused on ourselves. Working every day. “I haven’t talked to anyone about them yet.”

He found his purpose again: “I saw the goal several times when I came back to the field. I always check them, as well as Aston Villa. There are many things in the process to achieve that. I had friends who told me years ago that I would score in the final, it was in the semi-final but you never know what will happen at the weekend. Many people spoke to me. If you really believe you can do something, it can happen.”

His future: “I take things day by day, I don’t look too far ahead. I worked hard to get here, everything is possible. I’m not the best, but my work ethic and dedication lead me to achieve my accomplishments. For the kids I tell them to keep dreaming, work hard and they will get there.”

A promise if they win: “I don’t have a tattoo, but I can participate in that. I think it’s good.”

Players with experience from the last final: “I haven’t talked to anyone much yet. But I know from them that they are gaining experience, that they know that they will not make mistakes. “We lost against Italy, we have to do everything to avoid it happening again.”

Stop Rodri: “It was almost the same as against Italy. I talked to Rice about this earlier. Jorginho is the key player in the 2020 finals Everyone knows Rodri’s talent, he is a world-class player. It is important for them. If we can prevent the ball from reaching Rodri, our lives will be easier. Although we know it won’t be easy. He is the key player, because of his experience, because of what he has done at City. This is important for the game, as well as the defense. He dictates games the way he plays.”

Trust in Spain: “I’m focused on my team. Nothing was said about it”

What does Emery mean: “Gareth is more relaxed. You made this template a long time ago. Unai is very demanding, he has a lot to talk to. “They’re both incredible coaches.”

Importance of Emery in his career: “To begin with, he believed in me. Two seasons ago I had a great run and it gave me a lot of confidence. When he came he cheered me on and the next season he told me I had done my part. Scoring goals helped me believe in myself, it’s nice that your coach shows confidence in you. On top of that, the team is built entirely because of the way he wants to play and it suits me perfectly. “I’m delighted to be at Villa and I’m delighted to play under him.”

Comparison with Madrid in the Champions League: “I think if you see it at club level, Real Madrid are comfortable without the ball and they know they can score here. It’s the same here with us. We feel that at one point we can win the game. That we have a lot of talent. “We’re not worried.”

Toney has played ahead of him: “There are times when Toney plays better because he plays more directly. Like against Slovakia. But others are better for me. “We have different qualities, I’m very happy that we both reached the European Championship.”

Bellingham Ballon d’Or: “He should win the Ballon d’Or no matter what. The way he plays, with confidence, maturity… I can’t speak more highly of him. Seeing his transition, the way he plays… I remember him from Birmingham when he was 16 and I already had confidence in him. “I’m not surprised by what he’s doing.”

Reduce the euphoria before the final: “Not much. We are preparing tactically, seeing how they play and how to give them difficulties. They don’t need to calm down, we are all excited, eager to play and we believe it is necessary. Trust in a final. “Everyone we are committed to Sunday.”

The premonition for the final: “I can’t reveal now. I have to tell my teammates on the field or before the game. Let’s see if I’m right.”

Keep the trust: “I think you have to have this confidence in yourself. Sometimes you will have lower moments, but if you believe that you can score, or that things can go well, everything is possible.”