Late Watkins Goal Seals England's Spot In Euro 2024 Final Against Spain

Ollie Watkins emerged as the hero for England, securing their spot in the Euro 2024 final with a dramatic 2-1 win over the Netherlands in Dortmund. The Aston Villa striker came off the bench to score a decisive goal in the 90th minute, setting up a final clash with Spain on Sunday.

The match seemed destined for extra time after Harry Kane's penalty equalised Xavi Simons' stunning long-range strike. However, Watkins' late goal ensured Gareth Southgate's team advanced to their second consecutive Euros final. "And then there were two," tweeted @England on July 10, 2024.

Just seven minutes into the game, Simons intercepted Declan Rice and unleashed a powerful shot from 20 yards that beat Jordan Pickford. England responded 11 minutes later when Kane was awarded a penalty after a VAR review deemed Denzel Dumfries had fouled him with a high boot.

Dumfries redeemed himself shortly after by clearing Phil Foden's attempt off the line. He nearly put the Netherlands ahead again before half-time, but his header hit the crossbar. Foden also came close, hitting the post with a curling shot.

The Netherlands created the first significant chance of the second half when Pickford saved Virgil van Dijk's volley from a Joey Veerman free-kick in the 64th minute. England thought they had taken the lead when Bukayo Saka scored from Kyle Walker's cross, but it was ruled out for offside.

With extra time looming, Cole Palmer set up fellow substitute Watkins, who found the net from a tight angle to send England into euphoria. This marked only the second time in European Championship history that a 90th-minute goal decided a knockout tie.

Historical Milestones

England's journey to their first major final on foreign soil was historic. They became the first team to reach a European Championship final despite trailing in both their quarter-final and semi-final matches. Kane's penalty brought his tally to six goals in Euros knockout stages, breaking records along the way.

Kane now holds more knockout stage goals in major tournaments than any other European player with nine. He also became only the third player to score in consecutive European Championship semi-finals since Viktor Ponedelnik and Valentin Ivanov did so for the Soviet Union in 1960 and 1964.

Dutch Disappointment

The semi-final stage once again proved challenging for the Netherlands at the Euros. Despite fond memories of BVB Stadion where they reached the World Cup final 50 years ago by beating Brazil, Simons' early goal was not enough this time.

Ronald Koeman, who played in their only previous European Championship semi-final win against Germany in 1988, watched as Watkins' late winner handed them their fifth defeat in six appearances at this stage of the competition.

Watkins' crucial goal not only secured England's place in another final but also brought them closer to ending their long wait for international glory. The Three Lions are now just one victory away from ending 58 years of hurt since their last major tournament win.