England trio set for significant boost to net worth despite Euro 2024 heartbreak

Three England stars are set for a significant financial boost following their exploits at Euro 2024. Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo were among the few players to shine for the Three Lions as Gareth Southgate’s side managed to reach the final in Germany, only to suffer a heartbreaking defeat to Spain.

Watkins scored the dramatic semi-final winner against the Netherlands from off the bench, while Toney set up Harry Kane’s goal against Slovakia and then scored a ‘no-look’ penalty in the shootout win over Switzerland. Young midfielder Mainoo was impressive after coming into the starting line-up from the start of the knockout phase.

Those contributions are likely to ‌enhance their net worth, according to a financial expert. Speaking exclusively to Saxo, Professor Rob Wilson, of Sheffield Hallam University, revealed: “When we talk about the knock-on benefits in terms of branding for other players in the England squad, what we are really looking for are iconic moments.

“So Bukayo Saka’s penalty, the fan furore around Ivan Toney’s no-look penalty and, more broadly, Ollie Watkins scoring a last-minute winner in the semi-final. This will jettison him into a new stratosphere.

“The performances of the likes of Kobbie Mainoo are also likely to make him really stand out. Ollie Watkins will be revered for the next few months and that will have an impact on his contract negotiations at Aston Villa, or could even put him in the shop window for a potential transfer to one of the so-called ‘elite clubs’.

‌“Ivan Toney will certainly be looking for a potential move and I think Mainoo is probably the real standout for me, having come into the team at just 19 years of age. The fact he is a mainstay for Manchester United is positive as they are a globally recognised brand.”

The trio could have major roles to play in the post-Southgate era after the boss stepped down on Tuesday following eight years at the helm. In his parting statement, Southgate said: “As a proud Englishman, it has been the honour of my life to play for England and to manage England. It has meant everything to me and I have given it my all.

“But it’s time for change and for a new chapter. Sunday’s final in Berlin against Spain was my final game as England manager.”

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham paid tribute to Southgate’s achievements in leading England to successive European Championship finals, as well as to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in his first tournament.

Bullingham indicated the process to find Southgate’s successor “is now under way” and said The FA had an “interim solution in place if needed”, with the team’s next matches coming in the Nations League in September.