EURO 2024: Watkins scores as England edge Netherlands to qualify for final
England secured their spot in the EURO 2024 final with a stunning comeback win over the Netherlands, with the decider coming in added time.
A controversial Harry Kane penalty and an Ollie Watkins late strike ensured the three Lions booked their place.
Gareth Southgate’s team reached their second consecutive European Championship final, set to face Spain on Sunday.
The Netherlands, after a tough start to the tournament, had gained power after beating Romania and Turkey.
England, on the other hand, narrowly advanced past Slovakia in extra time and required penalties to overcome Switzerland in the quarter-final.
The Wednesday match began aggressively, with the Netherlands taking an early lead.
Xavi Simons dispossessed Declan Rice and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box into the top corner.
England responded with Harry Kane’s long-range attempt and subsequent efforts blocked by Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries.
A controversial moment came when VAR awarded England a penalty after Dumfries’ high boot caught Kane.
Kane converted the penalty to equalize, despite protests from the Dutch side.
Phil Foden nearly turned the game around for England, but Dumfries cleared his shot off the line.
Both teams had close chances, with Dumfries hitting the crossbar and Foden striking the woodwork.
The Netherlands faced a setback when Memphis Depay left with a muscular injury.
Saka had a goal disallowed due to an offside assist from Kyle Walker.
As the match seemed destined for extra time, Ollie Watkins made a decisive impact.
He turned defender Stefan de Vrij and scored from a tight angle, after an assist from Cole Palmer, to seal England’s place in the final with a 2-1 victory.
