Ollie Watkins sent England through to the final of the Euro 2024 with a delightful goal right at the death of their semi-final clash against the Netherlands.
Ronald Koeman’s side got themselves off to a flying start with a cracking goal by Xavi Simons, who drove towards England’s box before smashing a cracking shot from range which thundered into the top corner.
Certainly, it will be a goal of the tournament contender, as the goal was an absolute stunner by the Paris Saint Germain man.
England were domineering in the opening half, as they pinned the Netherlands for most of the first 45 minutes.
How England Equalized Against The Netherlands
In the 16th minute, Bukayo Saka dashed into the box for Gareth Southgate’s side working it onto his left foot before directing a goal attempt.
However, Saka’s effort was blocked and the ball fell into the path of Kane, who adjusted his body before trying a volley, with the ball ascending over the bar.
There were shouts for a penalty which was initially overlooked by German referee Felix Zwayer, however, he was called to have a look via a pitchside monitor.
After reviewing the incident, Zwayer pointed to the spot, with Denzel Dumfries booked for a foul on Harry Kane, who won the penalty for England.
Kane stepped up to play the penalty sending the ball to the goalkeeper’s right, with Verbruggen diving in the direction, but the penalty was well-taken by the Bayern Munich forward and unstoppable.
England were largely in control for the subsequent minutes, as they tried to create opportunities to punish the Netherlands.
The Oranje were forced to make a change in the 35th minute after attacker Memphis Depay had gone down earlier due to a knock.
Joey Veerman was brought on in place of the former Barcelona man, as Ronald Koeman rejigged his starting XI.
The Netherlands ended the first period the stronger of the two sides, dictating play and looking at sniffing a chance up front.
However, both teams ultimately settled for a draw in the opening half, with plenty to do in the second half.
The Netherlands and England made a change ahead of the restart of action in the second 45, with Wout Weghorst coming on for Donyell Malen.
Luke Shaw was also introduced in place of Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier, as Gareth Southgate sought more bite and vigor from the left-back department.
Second Half Was Hard-fought With Gareth Southgate’s Side Edging It In The End
The second period was immensely competitive, as both teams battled squarely in search of an equalizer.
The Netherlands controlled proceedings in the second half, as England were tactically plotting their moves before pouncing late on.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham received the first booking of the game with a poor challenge in the middle of the pitch in 75th minute.
Ten minutes before full-time, Bukayo Saka thought he had won it for the Three Lions late on, after rifling a low cross sent in by Kyle Walker into the back of the net. But the goal was cancelled for offside.
Cole Palmer was afterwards brought on for Phil Foden, while Ollie Watkins replaced Harry Kane.
Saka was booked in the 86th minute for a foul on Cody Gakpo, while Virgil Van Dijk was handed a yellow by controversial referee Felix Zwayer in the 87th minute for dissent.
Right at the stroke of the 90th minute, Watkins won it for England, as he turned superbly after receiving a pass from Palmer before firing a quick shot that beat Dutch goalie Verbruggen and entering the bottom corner.
Gareth Southgate made two final alterations before the full-time whistle, bringing on Ezri Konsa for Bukayo Saka, while Conor Gallagher came on for prodigy Kobbie Mainoo.
Ronald Koeman’s also sent on Brian Brobbey and Joshua Zirkzee for the Netherlands, taking out Xavi Simons and Denzel Dumfries.
Who Will England Face In Final Of Euro 2024?
Following the blast of the full-time whistle, England’s progression into the final of back-to-back European Championships was confirmed, and they will battle Spain in the final on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
The Dutch played their hearts out, however, Gareth Southgate’s side capitalized on the one moment of slip-up by the Oranje and eventually shattered their hopes of reaching the final.
Congratulations To England. It is all to play for against Spain in Berlin, as they hope to win the tournament this time around, having lost to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
