Ollie Watkins delivered a dramatic injury-time winner as England defeated the Netherlands 2-1, securing a spot in the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin.
The evening started poorly for England when Xavi Simons scored early for the Netherlands in the semi-final in Dortmund. However, England equalized with a Harry Kane penalty after a controversial VAR decision by German referee Felix Zwayer. The match seemed destined for extra time until Watkins' late heroics.
Substituting for Kane, Watkins received a pass from fellow substitute Cole Palmer with his back to goal in the first minute of stoppage time. He turned and fired a low shot into the far corner, leaving the Dutch stunned.
"I'm lost for words really," said Watkins, the Aston Villa striker. "I don't think I've hit a ball that sweet before, and obviously in such a special moment."
Gareth Southgate's England has not had the most convincing campaign but has reached their second consecutive European Championship final, hoping to win their first major trophy since 1966. They face a formidable Spain team, who defeated France 2-1 on Tuesday.
"We play the team who've been the best team in the tournament and we have a day less to prepare so it's a huge task. But we're still here and we're fighting," Southgate commented.
The Netherlands aimed to replicate their success from the 1988 Euros in Germany, but their current squad lacks stars like Marco van Basten or Ruud Gullit. A win would have set up a rematch of the 2010 World Cup final. Instead, they head home.
"I am disappointed about the final result in a match which started really good for us," said their coach, Ronald Koeman. "A great goal, and then it's over, and that is difficult to accept."
England reached this stage despite not winning any of their last four matches in 90 minutes and being taken to extra time by Slovakia and Switzerland. This might have given the Dutch a physical edge after they finished third in their group and then defeated Romania and Turkey.
England welcomed back Marc Guehi in defense after suspension, while Koeman started Donyell Malen in attack at his home ground for Borussia Dortmund.
The Westfalenstadion holds special memories for the Dutch, being the site of their 2-0 victory over Brazil in the 1974 World Cup semi-final.
The Netherlands took the lead after just seven minutes with a brilliant effort by Simons, who dispossessed Declan Rice and sent a powerful shot past Jordan Pickford. The Dutch celebrated with their fans as England found themselves trailing for the third consecutive game.
However, England responded quickly. Kane forced a save from Bart Verbruggen and moments later, after being caught by Denzel Dumfries, Zwayer awarded a penalty after reviewing the images. Kane, who missed a crucial penalty against France in the 2022 World Cup, made no mistake this time, scoring low into the corner.
The game became open and entertaining, with Dumfries clearing off the line from Phil Foden and hitting the bar with a header from a Simons corner. Foden then curled a superb shot off the post.
England's midfielders had too much time on the ball, prompting Koeman to reinforce the center after Memphis Depay's injury by bringing on Joey Veerman. Wout Weghorst replaced Malen at halftime, but the game became more cautious as time went on.
Pickford denied Virgil van Dijk on 65 minutes as the Netherlands began to dominate while England's key players tired. England thought they had scored on 79 minutes when Bukayo Saka turned in Kyle Walker's cutback, but it was ruled offside.
Southgate then substituted Kane and Foden, bringing on Watkins and Palmer, who ultimately made the decisive impact. | BGNES
