Watkins' Last-Minute Goal Sends England to Euro 2024 Final

Following Wednesday's 2-1 victory against the Netherlands, England will face Spain in Berlin for the 2024 Euro final thanks to an unbelievable injury-time goal by Ollie Watkins.

It was a spectacular comeback for England after a disastrous start in the semifinal in Dortmund when Xavi Simons put the Netherlands ahead.

After German referee Felix Zwayer's contentions V.A.R. decision, England quickly equalized with a penalty kick by Harry Kane, and the game seemed destined to go into overtime until Watkins scored.

After replacing Harry Kane, Watkins took a ball from Cole Palmer, turned, and shot low into the far corner to shock the Dutch. He did this in the first minute of stoppage time.

Gareth Southgate's England team has had a dismal season, but they've advanced to the European Championship final for the second year and are chasing their first major prize since 1966.

In the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal match between England and the Netherlands at the B.V.B. stadium in Dortmund on July 10, 2024, players from the Netherlands react after giving up a second goal. Image courtesy of INA FASSBENDER/AFP.

They must undoubtedly play their best game in Germany, especially against an exceptional Spanish squad.

Spain will have had another day to prepare for the final after their 2-1 win against France on Tuesday.

The Dutch hoped to replicate their 1988 Euro victory in Germany but still needed top players like Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten.

Had they won, the 2010 World Cup final would have been repeated at this Euros. They return home instead.

England has advanced to this point despite losing all four of their previous matches in regulation time and requiring overtime from Slovakia and Switzerland.

Considering the Oranje shook off placing third in their group to defeat Romania and then Turkey, it could have given them a physical advantage.

In defense, England got Marc Guehi back from suspension while Ronald Koeman started Donyell Malen up front at the stadium where he plays for Borussia Dortmund.

The Westfalenstadion has particular significance for the Dutch since it was the venue of their 1974 World Cup semifinal victory against Brazil, a 2-0 score.

Harry Kane's Controversial penalty

Simons scored an unbelievable goal in the seventh minute after stealing the ball from Declan Rice 35 meters out from goal, advancing the ball, and rasping the ball past Jordan Pickford. They took the lead.

After falling behind in the third game, the Dutch players and supporters rushed off the field to celebrate.

But they responded quickly like they had in the quarterfinals against Switzerland.

After Bart Verbruggen made a stop, Kane missed the target with a volley, and Denzel Dumfries made a diving save on the follow-through.

Despite its apparent harmlessness, Zwayer was asked to examine the photos and impose a fine.

There was no mistake from Kane, whose failed penalty attempt at the 2022 World Cup cost England dearly as he slotted the ball low into the bottom left corner.

After Dumfries cleared Phil Foden's line, the game became more open and enjoyable.

After a Simons corner sent Dumfries' header crashing off the bar, Foden hit back with a curling, spectacular strike that missed the top of the post.

Because England's midfielders were getting too much possession, Koeman substituted Joey Veerman for the injured Memphis Depay to strengthen the center defense.

During the break, Wout Weghorst, who had served as a super sub in earlier rounds, came in to replace Malen.

However, As time passed and players' anxiety about making a mistake increased, the game became more cautious.

As England's key players began to dwindle, the Dutch took the lead and forced Pickford to make a diving save from Virgil van Dijk in the 65th minute.

In 79 minutes, England had a golden opportunity when Bukayo Saka headed home with a cutback from Kyle Walker. However, Walker was sentenced to be marginally offside, and the referee cut the celebrations short.

After that, Southgate chose to bench Kane and Foden, bringing in Watkins and Palmer, who had a devastating impact.

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