England will face Spain in the final of Euro 2024 after beating the Netherlands 2-1 in their semi-final in Dortmund.
Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score a last-gasp winner for the Three Lions, who had trailed following Xavi Simons’ stunning strike for the Dutch.
England were much improved from recent performances and dominated the first half despite Simons’ opener, with Harry Kane equalising from the penalty spot after a contentious spot-kick decision went in England’s favour.
Phil Foden had an effort cleared from the goal-line for Gareth Southgate’s side, while both teams hit the woodwork in an entertaining opening 45 minutes.
The second half saw the tempo slow as the Dutch gained greater control, with the enforced substitution of Memphis Depay on 35 minutes seeing Joey Veerman brought on to bring balance to the Oranje in midfield.
Southgate has faced criticism for failing to make changes during this tournament but it was two substitutes who combined to send England through to the Berlin decider. Cole Palmer weighted a pass in behind for Watkins, who drove a fantastic finish through Stefan de Vrij’s legs and into the far corner.
England celebrated wildly at Wakins’ 90th-minute goal and again at the full-time whistle, as the Three Lions reached the European Championship final for the second successive tournament.
A formidable Spain side await in the final as England look to end 58 years without a trophy, but fortune has favoured Southgate’s side in this tournament so far, with England edging close calls with Slovakia and Switzerland before their late defeat of the Dutch.
England have reached the final of a major tournament on foreign soil for the first time and Kane congratulated the squad on an ‘amazing achievement’.
“History made. Amazing achievement. I’m so proud of everyone,” Kane said to ITV Sport.
“Every player, every member of staff, I’m so proud of them. To do what we’ve done away from home is really special. There’s that feeling there’s one more left and we need to do that on Saturday.”
Kane reserved added praise for match-winner Watkins, who replaced the England captain before scoring the dramatic winner.
The 30-year-old said it’s crucial every member of the squad remains ready to take their opportunity, and said England have ‘one more game to make history’ ahead of facing Spain this weekend.
“We talk about being ready. We’re a big team at being ready. When it matters, you might get five minutes, one minute, but you can make a difference , you can win us a tournament. He’s been waiting, he’s been patient. What he did was outstanding and he deserves it.
“Another unbelievably tough game (facing Spain). There’s one more game to make history. That’s what we’re excited about. It’s been a tough journey but there’s one more. 90 minutes, 120, penalties, whatever it takes we’ll be there. I’m looking forward to it.”
