The England national team has reached the Euro final for the second time in a row. After reaching the Euro 2020 final at Wembley and losing to Italy via a penalty shootout, The Three Lions are trying their luck again to end their wait for never winning the Euro this year.
Facing the Netherlands at Signal Iduna Park, Thursday (11/07) early morning IST in the Euro 2024 semifinals, England won 2-1 after falling behind to a quick goal from Xavi Simons (7'). England made a comeback with two goals scored by Harry Kane (18' penalty) and Ollie Watkins (90+1').
Gareth Southgate's England dominated possession with 59 percent compared to the Netherlands' 41 percent. Their number of shots also reached nine (five on target), while the Netherlands had seven shots (two on target).
England will face a team that has always swept all matches with victory, over Spain, in the Euro 2024 Germany final which will be played at the Olympiastadion Berlin, on Monday (15/07) at 00.00 IST.
"We played very well. It was a tricky game and we had to keep changing, especially in the way we defended," Southgate told UEFA's official website.
"We had to adapt all the time and the players made a lot of good decisions. This result is special for the squad and a tribute to what they gave for the cause."
"To take England to their first overseas final, I'm very proud of that. Now we want to win against a Spain team who are the best in the tournament. It's going to be tough."
Action Star: Ollie Watkins
Southgate deserves credit for his two substitutions in the 81st minute. He brought on Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins, replacing Phil Foden and Harry Kane.
The result was positive, starting from Palmer's measured pass which was met by Watkins and his movement was guarded by Stefan de Vrij, the Aston Villa striker unleashed a shot that could not be anticipated by Bart Verbruggen. The two super-subs combined for England's dramatic winning goal.
Watkins' goal was a response to the trust given by Southgate, even though in the previous two matches the substitute player with a bigger role was another striker, Ivan Toney.
"It's amazing – I've been looking forward to this moment for weeks. It's taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am. I got my chance and I took it with both hands," said Watkins.
"We had the comeback factor to go one goal down. We never gave up. One more game – we are ready for Spain."
Came off the bench, scored a dramatic goal and completely changed the outcome of a game that could have gone to extra time and penalties. "He (Watkins) made a big impact with a goal of great individual quality," said UEFA's technical observer.