In a dramatic turn of events, Ollie Watkins scored a stunning injury-time goal to secure England's 2-1 victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday, propelling them to the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin.
The match began on a challenging note for England when Xavi Simons put the Netherlands ahead early in the semi-final held in Dortmund. England equalized shortly after through a Harry Kane penalty, awarded after a controversial VAR decision by German referee Felix Zwayer. The game seemed destined for extra time until Watkins' decisive strike.
Substituting for Kane, Watkins received a pass from Cole Palmer, another substitute, in the first minute of stoppage time. With his back to the goal, Watkins turned and fired a low shot into the far corner, leaving the Netherlands stunned.
"I'm lost for words really," said Watkins, the Aston Villa striker. "I don't think I've hit a ball that sweet before, and obviously in such a special moment."
Despite a lackluster campaign, Gareth Southgate's England team reached their second consecutive European Championship final, aiming to win their first major trophy since 1966. To achieve this, they must overcome a formidable Spanish side that defeated France 2-1 on Tuesday.
The Netherlands, aiming to replicate their 1988 Euro triumph in Germany, fell short. Their current squad lacks the star power of legends like Marco van Basten or Ruud Gullit. A win would have set up a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final, but instead, they now head home.
"I am disappointed about the final result in a match which started really good for us," said their coach, Ronald Koeman. "A great goal, and then it's over, and that is difficult to accept."
England reached this stage without winning any of their last four matches in 90 minutes and endured extra time against Slovakia and Switzerland. This might have given the Dutch a physical edge, having advanced by finishing third in their group and then defeating Romania and Turkey.
England welcomed back Marc Guehi in defense after suspension, while Koeman started Donyell Malen in attack at Borussia Dortmund's home ground.
The Westfalenstadion holds special significance for the Dutch, recalling their 2-0 victory over Brazil in the 1974 World Cup semi-final. They took the lead here after just seven minutes when Simons dispossessed Declan Rice and unleashed a powerful shot beyond Jordan Pickford.
England, trailing for the third consecutive game, quickly responded. Kane forced a save from Bart Verbruggen and then volleyed over the bar before being fouled by Denzel Dumfries. Despite appearing innocuous, Zwayer awarded a penalty after reviewing the footage. Kane converted the spot-kick, making amends for his miss in the 2022 World Cup against France.
The game remained open and entertaining. Dumfries redeemed himself by clearing Phil Foden's effort off the line and later hitting the bar with a header. Foden then struck the post with a long-range shot.
Koeman adjusted his strategy by reinforcing the midfield following Memphis Depay's injury, bringing on Joey Veerman. Wout Weghorst replaced Malen at halftime, leading to a more cautious game as both teams feared making mistakes.
Pickford denied Virgil van Dijk in the 65th minute as the Netherlands began to dominate, with England's players tiring. England thought they had scored in the 79th minute when Bukayo Saka converted Kyle Walker's cutback, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Southgate's decision to introduce Watkins and Palmer paid off in the end, with their combination leading to the decisive goal.
England now prepares to face Spain in the final, hoping to end their long wait for a major trophy.
