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

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

Harry Kane recently suggested that while top teams may not fear Gareth Southgate's side, there is an undeniable 'aura' around them that can unsettle their rivals.

Watkins, the hero of the thrilling semi-final win over the Netherlands, agreed, saying: “If it was 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’re going to score. I feel like it’s the same here. We’re definitely tough to beat, so we just need that luck and we can win the game.

“It doesn't matter if we're playing badly or if the players are having a bad day, we still have that world-class talent that can allow us to come out and score 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] “He should win the Ballon d'Or,” Watkins said.

“He plays with such maturity and confidence. To be honest, I can’t say more good things about him. I played against him at Birmingham and he had that confidence at the time. It’s not really a surprise to see what he’s done.”

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

However, he said: “I was talking to Dean Henderson against Slovakia… if I don't come here he'll have to bring Ivan. [Toney] because we're going to go straight there.

“He did it and then Ivan set up Harry Kane. There's no bitterness. I was so happy for Ivan. There are certain moments where it's more appropriate for Ivan to go on the pitch if we go more direct.

“There are also times when it’s better for me, where the game is more open and I can run in behind and influence the game in a different way. We all had an important role to play in this competition. It was a great decision to bring all three of us in.”

Watkins certainly made an impact in the game against the Dutch, scoring one of the most important goals in English football history – a goal he predicted for substitute team-mate Cole Palmer, who provided the assist, on the stroke of half-time.

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

“It’s surreal, but a friend told me a long time ago that I would score in the Euro final, but I did it a stadium earlier. You never know, it could happen at the weekend. Whatever you put out into the universe, you can get it back.

“I have this fire in my belly and I'm ready whenever I'm called. Hopefully I'll get called to come on the field and I can be productive.”