England secured their spot in the EURO 2024 final with a stunning comeback win over the Netherlands, with the decider coming in added time.
A controversial Harry Kane penalty and an Ollie Watkins late strike ensured the Three Lions booked their place.
Gareth Southgate’s team reached their second consecutive European Championship final, set to face Spain on Sunday.
The Netherlands, after a tough start to the tournament, had gained power after beating Romania and Turkey.
England, on the other hand, narrowly advanced past Slovakia in extra time and required penalties to overcome Switzerland in the quarter-final.
The Wednesday match began aggressively, with the Netherlands taking an early lead.
Xavi Simons dispossessed Declan Rice and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box into the top corner.
England responded with Harry Kane’s long-range attempt and subsequent efforts blocked by Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries.
A controversial moment came when VAR awarded England a penalty after Dumfries’ high boot caught Kane.
Kane converted the penalty to equalize, despite protests from the Dutch side.
Phil Foden nearly turned the game around for England, but Dumfries cleared his shot off the line.
Both teams had close chances, with Dumfries hitting the crossbar and Foden striking the woodwork.
The Netherlands faced a setback when Memphis Depay left with a muscular injury.
Saka had a goal disallowed due to an offside assist from Kyle Walker.
As the match seemed destined for extra time, Ollie Watkins made a decisive impact.
He turned defender Stefan de Vrij and scored from a tight angle, after an assist from Cole Palmer, to seal England’s place in the final with a 2-1 victory.
England's journey to the final has been a rollercoaster, marked by intense matches and dramatic finishes. Their resilience and determination have been evident throughout the tournament, making them a formidable opponent for Spain.
The Netherlands, despite their strong performance in the tournament, will now have to regroup and prepare for the next challenge. Their journey has showcased their growth and potential, setting the stage for future successes.
The final between England and Spain is eagerly anticipated, with both teams bringing their unique strengths and strategies to the pitch. Fans around the world are looking forward to an exciting and competitive match as the two football giants clash for the coveted EURO 2024 title.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable final, as England aims to clinch their first European Championship and Spain seeks to add another trophy to their impressive collection.