Football News Update: England Book Spot in Euro 2024 Final with Late Victory over Netherlands
In a thrilling Euro 2024 semi-final clash, England secured a dramatic late victory over the Netherlands to book their place in the tournament’s final. Ollie Watkins’ stunning stoppage-time strike in the 90th minute sealed the 2-1 win for the Three Lions.
The Match Recap
The Netherlands had taken an early lead through a brilliant strike from Xavi Simons after Declan Rice’s error. However, England captain Harry Kane leveled the score from the penalty spot just before halftime, after a controversial decision saw Denzel Dumphries penalized for catching the striker inside the box.
The second half saw the Netherlands grow back into the game, but it was England’s substitutes who made the decisive impact. Aston Villa’s Watkins, who had just come on, latched onto a perfect through ball from Cole Palmer to slam the ball into the bottom corner and send the England fans into raptures.
“I swear on my kids’ life, I told Cole Palmer earlier today, we’d be coming on and he’d set me up and I’d score. And it happened.”
The goal was the first time a substitute has scored a 90th-minute winning goal in a European Championship knockout tie, and it earned Watkins the Player of the Match award, despite him only having four touches of the ball.
Looking Ahead to the Final
This result marks the second consecutive tournament in which England have reached the Euros final. Now, the Three Lions will be dreaming of going one step further and lifting the European Championship trophy, with Spain standing in their way on Sunday.
talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of the Euro 2024 final, so be sure to tune in via the website or app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the build-up to this historic clash.
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