by Super sub Ollie Watkins‘ spectacular injury-time goal on Wednesday, which put England ahead 2-1 over the Netherlands, sent them to the Euro 2024 final.
After substituting for captain Harry Kane earlier in the competition, Watkins struck the Dutch net with a pass he received from Cole Palmer, another replacement.
Consequently, England will now play Spain for the championship on Sunday in an attempt to make amends after losing to Italy on penalties three years prior.
Earlier, the Netherlands had the strongest start to the competition thanks to a scorching goal from Xavi Simons, which gave them an early lead.
After seven minutes, Simons stole the ball from Declan Rice and sent it into the top corner, barely beyond Jordan Pickford’s grasp.
After trailing in all three of its previous knockout stage matches, England managed to rally, and it did it once again.
Kane missed a chance, but a VAR review revealed Dumfries challenged recklessly, and England captain Bart Verbruggen equalized with a spot-kick.
With far more focus and vigor, Gareth Southgate’s team was playing the finest soccer of the competition. With great energy, Phil Foden came near twice: once with a tap between Verbruggen’s knees that Dumfries cleared off the line, and again with a trademark left-foot curler from outside the area that went just inside the post.
Despite Memphis Depay’s injury and the Dutch’s lack of possession, they managed to hit the woodwork, with Dumfries, who seemed to be involved in everything, heading against the post from a corner.
Southgate and Dutch coach Ronald Koeman made changes to their teams, with Wout Weghorst replacing Donyell Malen and Luke Shaw replacing Kieran Trippier for England due to doubts over Shaw’s injury recovery.
In the second half, England appeared to revert to stagnation, with few opportunities. Pickford had to be alert to push the ball away after Virgil Van Dijk’s set piece put it on target.
But in the end, all it took was one amazing stroke. Watkins had the better of the moment, Palmer’s pass was as flawless as the strike, and England continues to advance despite so many near misses.
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