Ollie Watkins goal v Portsmouth circulates on social media after England heroics
BBC broadcaster Chris Wise has made reference to Portsmouth on social media in a post about England hero Ollie Watkins.
Wise posted on X [10 July] a video of one of the striker’s standout moments from his early career, which happened to come against Pompey as he slalomed through to score a superb goal for Exeter City back in 2016.
Watkins’ dramatic 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands sealed the Three Lions’ place in back-to-back Euro finals, where Spain await in Berlin on Sunday (14 July).
The Aston Villa forward began his professional career with hometown club Exeter, and Wise shared a moment of magic from Watkins’ early career with the Grecians, with Portsmouth falling victim to his skill that day rather than the Dutch national team.
The caption accompanying the highlight read: “From the moment Ollie Watkins waltzed through Pompey’s defence eight years ago, we should have known that the Dutch never stood a chance.”
Portsmouth stars to represent England
Whilst Portsmouth alongside most clubs in the EFL have not had the fortune of Watkins in their line-up, the Blues have boasted some England talent down the years.
A total of 16 players have pulled on the Three Lions jersey whilst a Pompey player – five of them in the squad at the same time between 2008 and 2009: David James, Sol Campbell, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson.
James and Campbell in 2007 were the first full England internationals to ply their trade at Fratton Park since Mark Hateley in 1984.
Jimmy Dickinson, the hero of the famous Fratton End portrait, scooped the highest total number of caps whilst a Pompey player, with 48 England appearances between 1949 and 1956.
Portsmouth currently do boast several internationals in their ranks, with Kusini Yengi most notably starring for Australia over the summer with three goals in two World Cup qualifiers.
The next new call-up expected to be made from the Pompey squad is that of Conor Shaughnessy, who has yet to make his bow for the Republic of Ireland senior side but will be vying for a place following a superb 2023-24 season.
In other Portsmouth news, finance expert Dan Plumley on Pompey’s Fratton Park investment.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.