England reaches Euro 2024 final after last-gasp winning goal against the Netherlands
England reaches Euro 2024 final, Ollie Watkins’ brilliant last-gasp winner earned England a 2-1 win over the Netherlands and a place in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.
The Netherlands took an early lead thanks to Xavi Simons’ long-range rocket, but England hit back almost immediately as captain Harry Kane leveled the scores from the penalty spot.
Chances were few and far between in the second half, and it took until the first minute of added time for England to find the winner, with substitute Watkins stunning the Dutch.
It’s the first time in history that England has reached a major final on foreign soil, and the team – as well as manager Gareth Southgate – now has the chance to atone for that heart-breaking defeat in the final to Italy three years ago.
Awaiting England in Sunday’s final is the formidable foe of Spain, which has been unequivocally the best team of Euro 2024 so far.
Match-winner Watkins said he has been “waiting for weeks” for that moment, with his goal set up by Cole Palmer, who was another English subsitute. The joy and excitement for the upcoming final is palpable in his words.
“I swear on my life, my kid’s life, I said to Cole Palmer: ‘We’re coming on today, and you’re going to set me up.’ That’s why I was so happy with Coley. I knew he would play me as soon as he got the ball.
“It was the best feeling ever when I saw it go in the bottom corner. There’s been a lot of criticism, and at the end of the day, we’re in the final, and that’s all that matters. Forget all the outside noise; we’re at the final.
“We’ve got that bounce-back factor, going a goal behind. We never give up. We’ve won on penalties, come from behind. One more game, one more game,” added Watkins, referring to Sunday’s final. This resilience and determination of the team is truly inspiring.
England reaches Euro 2024 final (Three Lions roar again)
Like many so-called more significant nations, England has struggled to find any form at Euro 2024.
Despite a vast array of talented attacking players – some among the best in the world – for many England fans, watching Gareth Southgate’s side has frequently made for harrowing viewing.
The team – which only finished at the top of a weak group by the skin of its teeth – has been described as hostile and defensive, the passing telegraphed and the movement plodding.
England reached the semifinal thanks to moments of individual brilliance, first Jude Bellingham and then Bukayo Saka bailing the Three Lions out in their two previous knockout games at the tournament.
The Netherlands, too, has faced its share of struggles in Germany. Their journey to the knockout stages was not an easy one, as they had to fight their way through as one of the four best third-placed teams. Their victory over Turkey in the quarterfinals, after coming from behind, is a testament to their resilience.
Nevertheless, tournament football is about one thing only: lifting the trophy. Fans of both nations would forgive any number of dull performances if their team brings home the Henri Delaunay Cup on Sunday.
Immediately, though, this semifinal in Dortmund was more riveting than any game either of the two teams had played at Euro 2024.
After only seven minutes, Simons – named after Barcelona great Xavi Hernández – dispossessed Declan Rice in midfield and stormed towards the England penalty area before unleashing an unstoppable shot past Jordan Pickford and into the top corner.
Now England had no choice but to attack – something that hasn’t come easy for Southgate’s side in Germany – and found the equalizer just 10 minutes later.
After Kane’s acrobatic effort flew over the crossbar, replays showed Denzel Dumfries’ studs caught Kane on the top of his foot and, after an intervention from VAR, referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot.
