Categories: Sports

Euro 2024: England beat Netherlands to set up Spain final clash

Ollie Watkins scored a stunning injury-time goal as England defeated the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday to set up a Euro 2024 final showdown with Spain in Berlin.

It was an incredible finish to an evening that began badly for England, as Xavi Simons gave the Netherlands an early lead in the semi-final in Dortmund.

However, England were soon level through a Harry Kane penalty following a contentious VAR call by German referee Felix Zwayer, and the match looked set for extra time until Watkins struck.

On 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 to leave the Netherlands bewildered.

Aston Villa striker Watkins said: “I’m lost for words really.

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“I don’t think I’ve hit a ball that sweet before, and obviously in such a special moment.”

It has rarely been a convincing campaign from Gareth Southgate’s England side, but they are through to their second consecutive European Championship final as they dream of finally winning a first major trophy since 1966.

To do that they will surely have to perform better than at any point so far in Germany as they face an outstanding Spain team, who beat France 2-1 on Tuesday night.

“We play the team who’ve been the best team 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 had been hoping to repeat their triumph at the last Euros in Germany, in 1988, but their current side lacks anyone with the star quality of Marco van Basten or Ruud Gullit.

A victory for them would have seen this Euros conclude with the same final as the 2010 World Cup. Instead, they now go home.

The Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said: “I am disappointed about the final result in a match which started really good for us.

“A great goal, and then it’s over, and that is difficult to accept.”

The Star