I taught Ollie Watkins 'touch and shoot' - ex-coach

Mark Taylor (back row, far left) coached Ollie Watkins (back row, fourth on left) when he was between the ages of 7 and 11

One of Ollie Watkins' former youth coaches said he taught him the "touch and shoot" technique that saw the striker score the goal which booked England's place in the Euro 2024 final.

Mark Taylor, from Farnham, Surrey, said his phone "exploded after the goal", with people messaging him: "Your boy has done it."

Mr Taylor managed Watkins between the ages of 7 and 11 at Buckland Athletic, in Newton Abbot, Devon.

Watkins 90th minute winner in Wednesday's semi-final against the Netherlands has led to England being in the final stage of the tournament against Spain later.

But it wasn't an easy journey for Watkins to get to where he is now.

Mr Taylor told BBC Radio Surrey: "The player was rejected from several academies before he ended up at his first professional club."

Ollie was rejected by Exeter City and their Devon rivals, Plymouth Argyle, also declined the chance to sign Watkins as a child.

At aged 11, Watkins had a second trial for Exeter and joined the academy, Mr Taylor said.

He added: "When he got to 11 and Exeter took him in, he just took off. But could I see him as a professional football player? No."

Watkins' winner put England into the final of Euro 2024

Mr Taylor said the impact that Ollie has had at his former club, Buckland Athletic, has been immense.

He said: "Ollie hasn't forgotten about the club either, it is important that you remember your roots.

"He always wanted more. He was so committed and it is great that he was so committed."

Upon leaving Exeter, Watkins signed for Brentford and now plays for Aston Villa.