With a Late Goal, England Secures Euro Final Spot by Defeating Netherlands 2-1

Ollie Watkins' injury-time goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for England over the Netherlands on Wednesday, propelling them into the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin.

The match began unfavorably for England when Xavi Simons gave the Netherlands an early lead in the semi-final in Dortmund. England equalized through a Harry Kane penalty, awarded after a contentious VAR decision by German referee Felix Zwayer. The game seemed destined for extra time until Watkins' decisive strike.

Watkins, who came on for Kane, received a pass from fellow substitute Cole Palmer in the first minute of stoppage time, turned, and shot low into the far corner, stunning the Dutch team. "I'm lost for words really," said Watkins, the Aston Villa striker. "I don't think I've hit a ball that sweet before, and obviously in such a special moment."

Despite a less-than-convincing campaign, Gareth Southgate's England team reached their second consecutive European Championship final. They aim to win their first major trophy since 1966 and will face a strong Spain team, who defeated France 2-1 on Tuesday.

The Netherlands, who hoped to replicate their 1988 Euros triumph in Germany, fell short. Their coach, Ronald Koeman, expressed disappointment: "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."

England reached the semi-finals despite not winning any of their last four matches in 90 minutes, with extra time needed against Slovakia and Switzerland. The Dutch, after finishing third in their group, had convincingly defeated Romania and Turkey.

Marc Guehi returned to England's defense after suspension, while Koeman started Donyell Malen, who plays for Borussia Dortmund. The Westfalenstadion holds significance for the Dutch, as it was the venue for their 2-0 win over Brazil in the 1974 World Cup semi-final.

Simons put the Netherlands ahead after just seven minutes, intercepting Declan Rice and sending a powerful shot past Jordan Pickford. England quickly responded, with Kane forcing a save from Bart Verbruggen and soon after winning a penalty. Kane converted, leveling the score.

The match continued with both teams creating chances. Denzel Dumfries cleared a Phil Foden attempt off the line, and later hit the bar with a header. Foden also struck the post with a long-range effort. The Dutch adjusted their midfield following an injury to Memphis Depay, bringing on Joey Veerman and later substituting Wout Weghorst for Malen.

As the game progressed, England's players began to tire, and the Netherlands gained control. Pickford denied Virgil van Dijk in the 65th minute. England thought they had scored in the 79th minute when Bukayo Saka turned in Kyle Walker's cross, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Southgate's substitutions of Kane and Foden for Watkins and Palmer proved decisive. Watkins' last-minute goal secured England's place in the final, leaving the Netherlands to reflect on their missed opportunity.