Bus firm renames route after England hero
Bus firm renames route after England hero Ollie Watkins as World Cup fever grips fans
A bus company has renamed one of its routes in honour of England striker Ollie Watkins following the Three Lions' march into the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Stagecoach South West has temporarily rebranded its Service 2 as "Watkins Way: From Newton Abbot 2 the World Cup", celebrating the Aston Villa forward's journey from grassroots football to the international stage.
The move is designed to recognise Watkins' rise from local youth football in Devon to becoming one of England's leading strikers, with the renamed bus serving communities connected to his early years before he launched his professional career.
Watkins, who was born in Torquay and grew up in Newton Abbot, began playing for local clubs before progressing through the academy at Exeter City F.C.. He has since established himself in the Premier League with Aston Villa F.C.and earned international recognition with England.
The renamed vehicle operates on Stagecoach's Service 2 route, linking communities including Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Starcross, Exminster and Exeter.
Peter Knight, Managing Director of Stagecoach South West, said: "We're delighted to celebrate England's success in the World Cup and to honour one of our region's most inspiring sporting figures.
"Ollie Watkins' journey from grassroots football in Devon to the international stage is exactly the kind of story that resonates across our communities. 'Watkins Way: From Newton Abbot 2 the World Cup' reflects both his personal journey and the everyday routes that connect the places where that journey began."
The tribute comes as World Cup excitement continues to build across the country, with businesses and communities finding their own ways to back England's bid for international glory.
Stagecoach, the UK's largest bus and coach operator, said the renamed bus is intended as a rolling celebration of both England's World Cup campaign and the achievements of one of the country's most inspiring football success stories.
