Watkins labels Lamine Yamal a ‘generational talent’ ahead of England v Spain showdown

England hero Ollie Watkins believes Spain’s wing duo of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal present the biggest threat in the Euro 2024 final and labelled the Barcelona prodigy a “generational talent”.

Watkins propelled England into Sunday’s showpiece with a stunning, last-gasp winner against the Netherlands on Wednesday. They will now face a Spain side regarded by most observers as the stand-out team at the tournament.

Their attacking threat comes largely from wide positions with Athletic Bilbao’s Williams and Yamal.

The latter turns 17 on Saturday and Watkins is impressed by what he has achieved at such a young age.

The Aston Villa striker said: “He’s a generational talent, it’s not always you’re scoring against France at 16. He’s got the world ahead of him. He’s miles ahead to what I was at 17.

“With social media and hype, being at Barcelona and Spain, there’s so much hype around him. You need people around you to keep you grounded and focused.”

All white 🤍

The #ThreeLions will wear white shirts, white shorts and white socks in Sunday’s #EURO2024 final against Spain! pic.twitter.com/MjvB5GOj9y

— England (@England) July 12, 2024

Stop the wingers, stop Spain?

Watkins hinted he feels England have more threats from different positions than Spain.

“Obviously the wingers for Spain, they are very dynamic, young and full of confidence,” he added. “Across our team, we have goals from everywhere, it’s going to be an exciting match to watch and be a part of. Hopefully we can get the job done.

“I feel like we are very strong. Spain have had some tough games and had to come through a harder journey than us, [against] the so-called bigger teams. I see what the boss is saying, I think they’ve been the best team in the tournament so far.”

This is a first major tournament for 28-year-old Watkins and he is trying to enjoy as much of it as possible.

“I was speaking to Harry Kane this morning at breakfast. I am trying to soak in all these moments as they don’t come around too often,” he said.

“We’re in such a small bubble, you move on to the next thing. We were quickly back on the bus playing Uno [after the semi-final], ready for the next match. Our focus is now on the final. It’s just back to base camp and keep focusing.”