In a thrilling semifinal clash at Signal Iduna Park in Germany, England secured a spot in the Euro 2024 final by defeating Netherlands 2-1, thanks to Ollie Watkins’ late heroics in stoppage time on Wednesday. Xavi Simons gave Netherlands an early lead with a powerful strike in the 7th minute, stunning England. The Three Lions responded when Harry Kane equalized from the penalty spot in the 18th minute after a contentious decision.
England is set to contest consecutive Euro Cup finals. After their 2020 Euro final loss on penalties to Italy under Gareth Southgate, they are now preparing to meet Spain in the upcoming final. England clinched the FIFA World Cup in 1966 but have not yet secured the UEFA European Championship title. They came close at EURO 2020, only to lose the final on penalties at Wembley.
The match remained tense and finely balanced until substitute Watkins sealed England’s victory deep into added time. Collecting a pass from Cole Palmer, Watkins fired a precise shot into the far corner, sparking jubilation among England supporters worldwide.
“My foot is hanging off so he did catch me. Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t. I was happy to step up and happy to be in the final.” Harry Kane
This victory marks England’s second consecutive Euro final appearance, having previously lost to Italy in a dramatic penalty shootout in the 2020 final. Gareth Southgate’s side will now face Spain in the highly anticipated final showdown.
Ronald Koeman, the coach of the Netherlands, expressed strong disapproval of the VAR decision that awarded England a penalty against his team in the Euro 2024 semifinal.
“This is not a penalty,” Koeman stated emphatically. “His [Harry Kane’s] only intention was to block a shot. Harry Kane then shoots and their feet collide. Football is getting broken with these types of calls by VAR!”
Koeman’s comments highlight his frustration with the controversial penalty decision, which played a pivotal role in England’s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. The incident, reviewed by VAR, resulted in Kane converting from the spot to equalize for England in the 18th minute.
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