Newcastle United legend delivers 25-word message to England star after taking big opportunity

Alan Shearer has applauded Ollie Watkins for seizing the opportunity after firing England to the Euro 2024 final.

Gareth Southgate rolled the dice nine minutes from time, withdrawing record goalscorer and captain Harry Kane. Watkins had only played 20 minutes in England’s second group game before entering the fray in Dortmund.

The decision proved a masterstroke as the 28-year-old caressed a Cole Palmer pass before whipping a vicious shot past Bart Verbruggen and into the bottom corner. Pandemonium erupted across the country as the Aston Villa man dragged England into their first final on foreign soil.

The Three Lions now face a date with destiny against Spain on Sunday - aiming to erase 58 years of hurt. Newcastle United legend Shearer, who worked on commentary duties for BBC Radio 5 Live, delivered an X-rated message to Watkins at the full-time whistle.

“(I’ve) just finished on BBC Radio 5 Live and got to say Ollie Watkins you f****** beauty,” he posted. “The touch, turn and finish. Think I enjoyed that finish!”

An exasperated Shearer had lost the plot - like much of the nation - live on air following the 90th-minute strike. He said: “That is a sensational finish. That’s what he offers! He ran in behind, he wanted the ball delivered. 

“It was delivered, he took the touch. What a turn, what a finish! The keeper has got no chance. He finds the bottom of the net - that’s what you want when you put a substitute on. 

“You need him to change the game. That’s what he brought him on for. For that run, for that touch and for that finish.”