'England's best striker by far!' - Fans laud Three Lions hero Ollie Watkins as Harry Kane's understudy emerges as the hero with incredible last-gasp winner in Euro 2024 semi-final at Netherlands' expense

Watkins was made to wait for his opportunity but boy did he make the most of it, scoring a stunning goal in second-half injury time to send England through to the final. The Aston Villa forward replaced Harry Kane in the 81st minute to make just his third appearance of the tournament, but he delivered one of England's best moments so far with a sharp touch and finish through Stefan de Vrij's legs and into the far corner.

Extra-time seemed to beckon as England and the Dutch couldn't be separated. Both goals were scored in the first half, Xavi Simons putting the Oranje ahead in the seventh minute before Kane equalised from the penalty spot moments later. But Watkins didn't fancy 30 more minutes and his late strike will live long in the memory.

Watkins' winner sparked a wave of reaction on social media, with plenty calling for the 28-year-old to start ahead of Kane in Sunday's final.

"Watkins just put us in the final. If he doesn't start it's an absolute farce. Kane deserves to be benched," wrote @markgoldbridge on X.

@ChmBran1 added: "Watkins is England's best striker by far."

Aston Villa fan @mattlyynch said: "An Aston Villa striker has sent England to the Euros final. Unbelievable. Oliver Watkins. Put some respect on his name. A world class striker."

Former England striker Gary Lineker was clearly happy. "Yesssssssss! Ollie Watkins, you absolute beauty," he wrote.

Meanwhile, Watkins' club Villa posted: "OLLIE WATKINS. IT'S WHAT HE DOES."

Watkins will be hoping his starring cameo will be enough to earn him more minutes - perhaps even a start - against Spain on Sunday. Admittedly, it's unlikely that Kane will be dropped for the final, but it's also hard to imagine the Bayern Munich forward being able to replicate the swift movement that Watkins showed for his goal. Southgate has a big call to make.