Prince William celebrates as Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins sends England to Euro 2024 final – ‘What a beauty!’

The King also encouraged Gareth Southgate’s squad to “secure victory” in a hilarious message

The Prince of Wales hailed Ollie Watkins’ last-minute goal as England soared into the Euro 2024 final, with Prince William, a devout Aston Villa fan, writing: “What a beauty, Ollie! Congratulations England! #EURO2024 Finalists W.”

It came as the King encouraged Gareth Southgate’s side to “secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama” to alleviate the stresses on the nation’s “collective heart rate and blood pressure”.

In a personal message to the England boss, after the final whistle blew in their semi-final against The Netherlands on Wednesday night, Charles wrote: “My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the U.E.F.A. European Championship – and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.

“If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated! Good luck, England.” It was signed off with Charles R

The Three Lions fell behind after seven minutes to a Xavi Simons strike but a controversial Harry Kane penalty, awarded by VAR, brought the scores level ten minutes later.

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins then scored a 90th-minute winner to send England through to face Spain in the final on Sunday.