England through to the final of the Euros after late win over the Dutch

In typically dramatic style, England scored an injury-time winner against the Netherlands to clinch a place in the final of the 2024 Euros, where Spain awaits.

After falling behind early in Dortmund, Harry Kane equalised with a VAR decided penalty and England settled to play their best football of the tournament.

Nevertheless, it looked to be heading for extra-time until substitute Ollie Watkins latched onto a through ball from fellow-sub Cole Palmer and struck a great shot into the bottom corner, to spark scenes of delirium on the pitch and in the stands

It means England qualify for their second consecutive Euro final, after agonisingly losing on penalties 3 years ago to Italy.

The Spanish booked their spot 24-hours earlier with an impressive victory over France and will be favourites for the showdown on Sunday 14 July, in Berlin.

Netherlands outnumber the English in fan numbers

A sea of orange swept over Dortmund as over 80,000 Dutch fans invaded the German city and created a carnival atmosphere in the build up to the game. England were not short of support either, with around 40,000 thought to have made the journey.

Neither team had been particularly impressive in getting to the semi-final stage, with England stumbling out of their group, just seconds away from an early exit in their last-16 match with Slovakia and needing penalties to overcome Switzerland in the quarters.

The Netherlands for their part had finished as one of the best third-placed teams in the groups and were fortunate to get past Turkey in their quarter-final.

Fortunate to draw level

The Dutch struck first when Declan Rice was caught in possession by Xavi Simons and he smashed an unstoppable drive past Jordan Pickford in the Three-Lions goal, to put the Netherlands one up.

However, with the English midfield being allowed more room than in previous games, they began to look more like the team that came into the tournament as one of the favourites. That said, they would have to consider themselves lucky in the way they drew level.

Harry Kane flashed a shot over the bar and his follow-through caught the bottom of the raised boot of the attempted block from Denzel Dumfries. VAR advised the referee to take a look at the monitor and to the surprise of many, he pointed to the spot. It was incredibly harsh, but captain Kane wasn’t about to argue and duly found the bottom corner to level things up.

Foden in control as England on top

Phil Foden, who was being allowed to play more centrally, was causing the Dutch all manner of problems, and was inches away from giving his side the lead, twice in a matter of minutes.

First he wriggled through only to see his effort stopped on the line, then he curled a magnificent shot against the post, with the goalkeeper well beaten.

Much tighter second half

England finished the first-half on top and inevitably that led to changes by the Dutch and this meant the second period was much more even, with few chances created.

The English did have the ball in the net through Bukayo Saka, but an offside flag cut short any celebrations. Manager Gareth Southgate then made the bold move of substituting Kane and Foden – who had run out of steam – and sent on Cole Palmer and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Just as everyone was gearing themselves up for a further 30 minutes of football, the two subs combined, with Palmer threading a beautifully weighted pass into the path of a run from Watkins, who – under close attention from Stefan de Vrij – took a touch, and hit a fantastic cross-shot into the bottom corner of the net.

The stadium erupted, players disappeared under a sea of bodies and England were on the verge. They saw out the few minutes remaining and the final whistle saw unconfined jubilation from players and fans alike.

Winning goalscorer’s “best ever” feeling

Match-winner Watkins admitted he had been frustrated at his lack of game-time at the tournament, but said there was a real togetherness in the squad and explained how he had predicted to Cole Palmer that the two of them would combine to get the winner.

He described the feeling as “the best ever” and said he didn’t think he’d ever “hit a ball so sweetly” before.

Praise from the boss

His manager, Gareth Southgate, has received a lot of criticism in previous games for his tactics and substitutions, so would have been doubly satisfied with the outcome of his decisions. He said it was “a very special night” and hoped it was for everyone watching back in England too.

He also praised his players, singling out Saka and Foden, plus a special mention for his match-winner who he remarked had trained really well to be ready when called upon.

PM in good spirits

New Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, kept up with the action whilst over in the United States at the Nato summit, and joked that the side were still unbeaten under a Labour government.

He will be in attendance at the final in Berlin at the weekend.

King adds a touch of humour

King Charles III sent a message to Southgate and his players immediately after the final whistle. He said: “My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.”

Then showing his sense of humour and referring to England’s habit of relying on late goals, he continued: “If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!”

Name on the trophy?

The way the tournament has gone for them, it would be unwise to bet against another late-goal scenario occurring in the final.

Spain have looked the best team throughout the tournament, winning every game played and England will have to step up another level to overcome their impressive football.

They brushed aside a strong French outfit in their semi-final with the help of a wonder-strike from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona sensation who has lit up the competition.

Nevertheless, sometimes a team’s name appears to be written on the trophy as they ride their luck, and it could well be England turn this time around.