Euro 2024: Ollie Watkins' goal sends England into finals
Florence Kyei/Lead News
England has advanced to the Euro 2024 final after Ollie Watkins' spectacular last-minute goal earned a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands on Wednesday night.
A lively start in Dortmund saw Xavi Simons punish Declan Rice in possession with a superb long-range shot. But the Three Lions reacted, as they had against Switzerland before needing penalties to go to the semi-finals, with Harry Kane fouled by Denzel Dumfries in the penalty area.
After a lengthy VAR review, the Bayern Munich striker took the contentious spot kick, which Gary Neville dubbed "a disgrace" amid heated debate in the ITV studio, and Phil Foden's superb technique nearly put Gareth Southgate's side ahead.
As extra time approached, replacement Watkins, on for Kane, blasted a shot home from a narrow angle to send Southgate’s side into Sunday’s final.
"We're a big team on being ready, everyone being ready for when it matters. You might get five minutes, one minute, but you can make a difference, you can win us the tournament," England captain Harry Kane said postgame.
"And Oli's been waiting, he's been patient and what he's done out there is outstanding. What a finish. I'm so happy for him, he deserves it."
The Aston Villa striker took home the player of the match award.
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Ollie Watkins
England has never won the European championship, finishing runner-up in the last edition of the tournamen. The Three Lions will hope to write their name in the history books when they face Spain in the final on Sunday night.
"I have no words for this. When you concede so late, it's terrible," Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said after the loss. "This hurts a lot. You give it your all and if it still turns out like that, it sucks " he said.
