England secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Dortmund, Germany, advancing to their second consecutive European Championship final. Substitute Ollie Watkins scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, setting up a final clash with Spain in Berlin on Sunday.
Xavi Simons gave the Dutch an early lead in the seventh minute, but Harry Kane equalized with a penalty 11 minutes later. The game seemed headed for extra time until Watkins, assisted by Cole Palmer, scored a stunning goal into the far corner.
The match was action-packed from the start. Simons’ early strike, following a steal from Declan Rice, ignited the game. England responded with Kane’s penalty, awarded after a VAR review for a foul by Denzel Dumfries.
Phil Foden nearly put England ahead, dribbling through tackles only to see his shot cleared off the line by Dumfries. The Dutch defender then hit the bar with a header, while Foden struck the post with a curling effort.
England’s young stars, including 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, played with confidence and flair, creating numerous scoring opportunities and forcing Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into several key saves.
Despite a cautious start to the second half, England’s head coach Gareth Southgate made bold substitutions, bringing on Watkins and Palmer for Foden and Kane. This move paid off when Palmer threaded a pass to Watkins, who scored the winning goal.
The Netherlands, who have now lost four semifinals since their 1988 championship, were left devastated by the late defeat.
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