Ollie Watkins tells Spain 'we're like Real Madrid' as England eye Euro 2024 glory

Ollie Watkins has issued a stern warning to Euro 2024 favourites Spain, claiming he and his England team-mates have grown into a team like Real Madrid.

Harry Kane recently suggested that while top teams may not fear Gareth Southgate’s squad, there is an undeniable ‘aura’ about them that can unsettle their rivals.

Watkins, the hero of the thrilling semi-final victory over the Netherlands concurred, saying: “If it was related to club football, you see someone like Real Madrid in a Champions League game, they are comfortable without the ball.

“They have that confidence that when they get the ball, they are going to score. I feel like it is the same here. We are definitely hard to beat then we just need that one chance and we can win the game.

“It doesn’t matter if we are playing poorly or if players are having an off day, we still have that world class talent where we can pop up and get that goal.”

Among those world-class talents is a Real Madrid player who made a memorable impact with a stunning equaliser against Slovakia in the round of 16. “Whatever happens, Jude [Bellingham] should win the Ballon D’or,” declared Watkins.

“He plays with such maturity and confidence. I can’t speak any more highly of him to be honest. I played against him at Birmingham and he had that confidence about him then. It’s no surprise really to see what he’s gone on and done.”

Despite his contributions, Watkins will once again be benched for the final in Berlin on Sunday, with no guarantee of being the first choice if Southgate decides to bring on a striker.

However, he said: “I was talking to Dean Henderson against Slovakia … if I’m not coming on here then he needs to bring Ivan [Toney] on because we’re going to go direct.

“He did, then Ivan set up Harry Kane. There’s no bitterness whatsoever. I was so pleased for Ivan. There are certain times where it’s more suited for Ivan to go on the pitch if we’re going more direct.

“Then there’s certain times where it’s better for me, where the game’s more open and I can run in behind and affect the game in a different way. We’ve all had massive parts to play in this competition. It was a great decision to bring all three of us.”

Watkins certainly made an impact in the match against the Dutch, netting one of the most significant goals in English football history – a goal he predicted to fellow substitute Cole Palmer, who provided the assist, at half-time.

And the Aston Villa forward clearly believes that positive thinking can have unusual power. He remarks: “It’s crazy to think I’m here and have played such a big part in getting to the final.

“It’s surreal – but a friend said ages ago that I would score in the Euro final but I did it a stage earlier. You never know, it could happen on the weekend. Whatever you put into the universe, you can get back.

“I’ve got that fire in my belly and am ready whenever called upon. Hopefully I get the call to come onto the pitch and hopefully I can produce.”