Super-Sub Watkins Propels England to Euro 2024 Final

AFP/APP

Germany: Ollie Watkins struck a stunning injury-time winner as England beat the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday, setting up a Euro 2024 final showdown with Spain in Berlin.

The evening began poorly for England when Xavi Simons gave the Netherlands an early lead in the semi-final in Dortmund.

However, England quickly equalized through a Harry Kane penalty following a contentious VAR call by German referee Felix Zwayer. The match seemed destined for extra time until Watkins scored.

Substituting for Kane, Watkins received a pass from fellow substitute Cole Palmer with his back to goal in the first minute of stoppage time, turned, and fired low into the far corner, leaving the Netherlands bewildered.

 “I’m lost for words really,” said Watkins, the Aston Villa striker. “I don’t think I’ve hit a ball that sweet before, and obviously in such a special moment.”

England’s campaign under Gareth Southgate has rarely been convincing, but they have reached their second consecutive European Championship final, dreaming of their first major trophy since 1966.

To achieve this, they will need to outperform any previous efforts in Germany as they face an outstanding Spain team, who beat France 2-1 on Tuesday. “We play the team who’ve been the best in the tournament and we have a day less to prepare, so it’s a huge task. But we’re still here and we’re fighting,” Southgate said.

The Netherlands hoped to replicate their 1988 triumph in Germany but lacked the star quality of Marco van Basten or Ruud Gullit.

A victory would have mirrored the 2010 World Cup final, but instead, they now return home. “I am disappointed about the final result in a match which started really good for us,” said their coach, Ronald Koeman. “A great goal, and then it’s over, and that is difficult to accept.”

England reached this stage despite not winning any of their last four matches in 90 minutes, having been taken to extra time by Slovakia and Switzerland. 

This might have given the Dutch a physical edge, especially after they shrugged off finishing third in their group to brush aside Romania and see off Turkey.

England welcomed back Marc Guehi in defense after suspension, while Koeman opted to start Donyell Malen in attack at Borussia Dortmund’s home ground. The Westfalenstadion holds special significance for the Dutch, being the scene of their 2-0 win over Brazil with goals by Johan Neeskens and Johan Cruyff, taking them to the 1974 World Cup final.