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Ollie Watkins struck a shocking injury-time winner as England beat the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday to arrange a Euro 2024 last showdown with Spain in Berlin. It was once a fantastic end to a night that started badly for England, as Xavi Simons gave the Netherlands an early lead within the semi-final in Dortmund.
On the other hand, England have been quickly degree by way of a Harry Kane penalty following a contentions VAR name via German referee Felix Zwayer, and the fit seemed set to flow in opposition to overtime till Watkins struck.
On for Harry Kane, Watkins won a cross from fellow exchange Cole Palmer along with his again to function within the first minute of stoppage time, became and fired low into the a ways nook to go away the Netherlands totally shocked.
It has infrequently been a powerful marketing campaign from Gareth Southgate’s England aspect, however they’re by way of to their 2d consecutive Ecu Championship last as they dream of in spite of everything successful a primary primary trophy since 1966.
To do that they are going to certainly have to accomplish higher than at any level thus far in Germany as they face an impressive Spain workforce.
Spain can even have had an additional 24 hours to arrange for the general, having defeated France 2-1 on Tuesday.
The Netherlands were hoping to copy their triumph on the final Euros held in Germany, in 1988, however their present aspect lacks somebody with the famous person high quality of Marco van Basten or Ruud Gullit.
A victory for them would have noticed this Euros conclude with the similar last because the 2010 Global Cup. As an alternative they now cross house.
England had were given to this degree regardless of now not successful any in their final 4 fits in 90 mins, and having been taken to overtime via Slovakia and Switzerland.
That would possibly have given the Dutch an edge bodily, after the Oranje shrugged off completing 3rd of their team to comb apart Romania after which see off Turkey.
England welcomed again Marc Guehi in defence after suspension, whilst Netherlands trainer Ronald Koeman opted to begin Donyell Malen in assault within the floor the place he performs membership soccer for Borussia Dortmund.
The Westfalenstadion is a distinct position for the Dutch, because the scene in their 2-0 win over Brazil that took them by way of to the 1974 Global Cup last.
Contentious penalty
They went forward right here after simply seven mins because of a shocking function via Simons, who robbed Declan Rice 35 metres from function and complicated earlier than sending a rasping force past Jordan Pickford.
The Dutch gamers ran off to have a good time with their enthusiasts at the back of that function, as England discovered themselves at the back of for the 3rd sport working.
Identical to towards the Swiss within the quarter-finals, on the other hand, they reacted hastily.
Kane compelled a save from Bart Verbruggen and moments later despatched a volley over the bar, and was once stuck via Denzel Dumfries at the follow-through.
It appeared completely harmless however Zwayer was once summoned throughout to study the photographs and gave a penalty.
Kane, whose ignored spot-kick towards France price England expensive within the 2022 Global Cup, made no mistake, slotting low into the bottom-left nook.
It settled into an open and entertaining sport, with Dumfries redeeming himself via clearing off the road from Phil Foden.
Dumfries crashed a header off the bar from a Simons nook, however Foden replied via curling a very good shot from vary off the highest of the put up.
England’s midfielders have been being given an excessive amount of time at the ball, and Koeman used an harm to Memphis Depay to toughen the centre, changing the ahead with Joey Veerman.
Any other exchange adopted on the period, with Wout Weghorst — super-sub in earlier rounds — changing Malen.
But the sport was extra cagey because the mins went on and the worry of creating a mistake grew.
Pickford denied Virgil van Dijk on 65 mins and the Netherlands started to take regulate as England’s main gamers began to tire.
England did have the ball within the internet on 79 mins when Bukayo Saka became in a Kyle Walker cutback, however the latter was once simply offside and the flag minimize brief the celebrations.
Southgate then made up our minds to take away Kane and Foden, with Watkins and Palmer getting into the fray to devastating impact.