Ollie Watkins scored a decisive injury-time goal as England defeated the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday, securing a place in the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin.
The match began unfavorably for England when Xavi Simons gave the Netherlands an early lead in the semi-final held in Dortmund.
England equalized through a Harry Kane penalty, awarded after a controversial VAR review by German referee Felix Zwayer. The match seemed destined for extra time until Watkins scored in stoppage time.
Watkins, substituting for Kane, received a pass from Cole Palmer, turned, and fired a low shot into the far corner, leaving the Dutch team 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.”
Despite a less-than-convincing campaign, Gareth Southgate’s England team reached their second consecutive European Championship final. They aim to win their first major trophy since 1966.
To achieve this, England must outperform their previous performances in Germany as they face Spain, who defeated France 2-1 on Tuesday.
The Netherlands, who hoped to replicate their 1988 Euro triumph in Germany, will now return home. Their current squad lacks the star power of legends like Marco van Basten or Ruud Gullit.
“A great goal, and then it’s over, and that is difficult to accept,” said Dutch coach Ronald Koeman.
England reached this stage despite not winning any of their last four matches in regular time and being taken to extra time by Slovakia and Switzerland. This might have given the Dutch a physical advantage after they advanced past Romania and Turkey.
England welcomed back Marc Guehi in defense after suspension, while Koeman started Donyell Malen, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, in attack.
The Westfalenstadion holds historical significance for the Dutch, being the venue of their 2-0 victory over Brazil in the 1974 World Cup.
Simons scored the opening goal after seven minutes by intercepting Declan Rice and launching a powerful shot past Jordan Pickford.
England responded quickly. Kane forced a save from Bart Verbruggen and then was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Denzel Dumfries. Despite initial appearances, VAR confirmed the foul, and Kane scored, equalizing the game.
The match continued dynamically, with Dumfries clearing a Phil Foden shot off the line and hitting the bar with a header. Foden also hit the post with a long-range effort.
Koeman adjusted his lineup following an injury to Memphis Depay, bringing on Joey Veerman to bolster the midfield. Wout Weghorst replaced Malen at halftime.
As the game progressed, both teams became more cautious. Pickford denied Virgil van Dijk in the 65th minute, and the Netherlands began to dominate as England’s players tired.
England had a goal disallowed in the 79th minute when Bukayo Saka’s effort was ruled offside. Southgate then substituted Kane and Foden for Watkins and Palmer, leading to the match-winning play.
England will now prepare for their final against Spain, seeking to end their long wait for a major tournament victory.
