England advanced to their second consecutive European Championship final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Netherlands, thanks to a late strike by substitute Ollie Watkins.
The match, held at the Westfalenstadion, saw England initially trailing after a brilliant early goal by Xavi Simons. However, a contentious penalty decision allowed Harry Kane to equalize before Watkins sealed the win in stoppage time.
The game began with a bang as Simons, showcasing his skill, robbed Declan Rice of the ball 35 meters out and unleashed a powerful drive past Jordan Pickford in the seventh minute. The Dutch fans erupted in celebration, sensing a repeat of their 1988 triumph in Germany.
England, under the guidance of Gareth Southgate, quickly regrouped. Kane, trying to make amends for his missed penalty in the 2022 World Cup, forced a save from Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen before being fouled by Denzel Dumfries in a seemingly innocuous challenge. German referee Felix Zwayer, after a VAR review, awarded a penalty, which Kane converted confidently.
The match remained open and entertaining, with chances at both ends. Dumfries had a header crash off the bar, and Phil Foden’s shot hit the post. As the game progressed, it became more tactical and cagey, with both sides struggling to find a breakthrough.
Southgate’s decision to bring on Watkins and Cole Palmer in place of Kane and Foden proved decisive. In the first minute of stoppage time, Watkins received a pass from Palmer, turned brilliantly, and fired a low shot into the far corner, leaving the Dutch bewildered and sealing England’s place in the final.
“I’m lost for words really,” said Watkins. “I don’t think I’ve hit a ball that sweet before, and obviously in such a special moment.”
The Netherlands, coached by Ronald Koeman, were left to rue their missed opportunities and the controversial penalty decision. “I am disappointed about the final result in a match which started really good for us,” said Koeman. “A great goal, and then it’s over, and that is difficult to accept.”
England now faces the daunting task of overcoming Spain, who defeated France 2-1, in the final. Southgate acknowledged the challenge ahead: “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.”
As England dreams of their first major trophy since 1966, fans are hopeful that Southgate’s men can rise to the occasion and deliver a historic victory.