England will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday in Berlin after a thrilling match against the Netherlands, decided by a last-minute goal from substitute Ollie Watkins. The game seemed headed for extra time until Watkins’ stunning strike, from Cole Palmer’s assist which followed a contentious Harry Kane penalty that cancelled out Xavi Simons’ early goal. England dominated the first half, with Phil Foden impressing, but the Netherlands fought back in the second half, with Jordan Pickford making crucial saves to keep England level. Just as extra time seemed inevitable, Watkins’ brilliant turn and shot secured England’s spot in their second consecutive European Championship final, capping a dramatic night in Dortmund.
England’s thrilling win over the Netherlands in Dortmund has brought Gareth Southgate’s team within reach of a historic triumph, poised to end 58 years of disappointment. The campaign in Germany began slowly, but a dramatic turn of events on a stormy night in Dortmund has ignited England’s chances. With a golden opportunity to claim glory against favored Spain at the Olympiastadion, England is on the cusp of achieving something truly special. This Euro 2024 final appearance marks England’s first chance to win a major tournament on foreign soil since the 1966 World Cup, with the added significance of following up on their Euro 2020 final appearance at Wembley.
England’s path to the final was characterized by their resilience and determination, traits that have defined their journey in Germany. Once again, they faced adversity, conceding the opening goal, but refused to yield. They battled back, equalizing through Harry Kane’s penalty, and then weathered a nerve-wracking storm as the Netherlands pushed for a winner. Just when it seemed like the match was headed for extra time, Ollie Watkins intervened with a stunning late strike, sealing England’s victory and cementing their reputation for delivering dramatic finishes. This never-say-die spirit has been the hallmark of England’s campaign, and it has carried them to the brink of history.
England now has a chance to make up for their heartbreaking loss to Italy in the 2020 Euro final. Despite some disappointing results in big tournaments, England’s team has a chance to create a new and better history. For Coach Southgate, getting to another final proves that his methods work, even if some people doubted them. If England wins in Berlin, it will change everything about how people view his time as a coach. The key moment came when Ollie Watkins came into the game with just 9 minutes left. He brought energy and speed that worried the Dutch defense, and his goal was the decisive moment in a close game. England has been disappointed before, and they might not be favored to win against Spain, but they believe in themselves and think they can finally win a major tournament after more than 50 years.
England have stuttered and stumbled in Germany but they are still standing to make it to the end of Euro
England has had a rocky road in Germany, but they’ve managed to stay in the game and make it to the Euro 2024 final against Spain. Even when they lost steam in the second half and the Netherlands seemed more likely to win, England’s determination and refusal to give up pulled them through. England’s first half was their best performance in the tournament so far, a great response to the early shock of conceding a brilliant goal by Simons just seven minutes in.
Phil Foden was a handful for the Dutch defense, causing trouble with his runs into the middle of the field. He had two close calls, with one shot blocked on the goal line and another hitting the post. But the Netherlands adjusted and brought in Wout Weghorst to counter him. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo impressed with his confident and creative play, showing maturity beyond his years. England’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, made some crucial saves, including one from Virgil van Dijk, and held his ground under pressure in the second half. Coach Southgate’s late substitutions paid off, as Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins combined to score the winning goal, with Watkins turning Stefan de Vrij and sending England to the final in Berlin.
Although Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham didn’t really play a major role, England’s win had enough encouraging moments to send them to the final in Berlin on Sunday with renewed optimism and hope, making up for the lackluster performances earlier in the tournament.
