PUPILS and teachers at a Newton Abbot primary school which England football star Ollie Watkins attended have cheered his semi-final winner against The Netherlands that propelled the nation to Sunday’s Euro 2024 finals.

Ollie attended Decoy School, which is a community primary overseen by Devon County Council, and the school is now basking in the success of its former pupil.

Headteacher Sally Herbert said she was ‘immensely proud’ of him.

‘For the children to see that one of Decoy School’s former pupils is part of the England team and he scored the decisive goal has really inspired them,’ she said.

‘It shows them that through dedication, determination and hard work that they can also achieve amazing things.’

Tina Hudson, a teaching assistant who knew him as a pupil, said: ‘Ollie was always sporty, talented and driven.

‘He had that little extra spark and determination to succeed.

‘He loved sport and always had a football at his feet. Ollie’s success has shown the children that they should never give up on their dreams – everything is possible.’

Eleven-year-old pupil Poppy said Ollie’s goal ‘brought everyone together in celebration, even those who don’t usually follow football’, while 10-year-old Elliott said it made he and his classmates ‘think that we can achieve our dreams too’.

Ollie’s goal just after 90 minutes of the game put England 2-1 ahead in their semi-final, setting them up for a place in the final on Sunday against Spain.