WATCH THE FAN REACTION AS ENGLAND SECURE THEIR PLACE IN THE EURO 2024 FINAL
England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday, thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Ollie Watkins that secured victory over the Netherlands.
Gareth Southgate’s team seemed headed for extra time for the third consecutive game after Harry Kane’s controversial first-half penalty cancelled out an early strike from Xavi Simons, until Watkins scored.
England led the first half, with Phil Foden standing out. He hit the post with a long-range shot and forced a great save from Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen.
The Netherlands, who had Denzel Dumfries’ header hit the bar before the break, dominated the second half. Key saves from Jordan Pickford kept England in the game.
It looked like another 30 minutes of extra time was on the cards until Watkins, on for Kane, scored a brilliant late goal. This sent England to their second straight European Championship final on a thrilling night in Dortmund.
Southgate’s England are one game away from glory
England’s win over the Netherlands in Dortmund has left Southgate and his team just one game away from ending 58 years of frustration.
The tournament in Germany has been a slow start, but the spark was ignited on a hot, stormy night. Now, England have a chance to clinch victory against favourites Spain at the Olympiastadion.
This will be England’s first final abroad since the 1966 World Cup final and Euro 2020 final, both held at Wembley.
They reached the final in typical fashion, coming from behind and surviving tense moments before Watkins’ late goal sealed the victory.
This also offers England a chance to avenge their penalty defeat to Italy at Wembley in the Euro 2020 final.
Southgate and his team are known for near misses in major tournaments during his eight-year reign. Now, they have a chance to write a new chapter in their story.
For Southgate, reaching another final proves his methods work, despite earlier criticism. Winning in Berlin would change how his tenure is seen forever.
Watkins’ entrance with nine minutes left was key. The Aston Villa striker added energy and speed, scoring the crucial goal to secure a tight win.
England have faced setbacks in the past and will be underdogs against Spain. But there’s a belief in Southgate’s team, even when performances have been shaky. They go to Berlin confident they can finally win the silverware that has eluded them for over 50 years.
