Ollie Watkins emerged as England’s unexpected hero in Dortmund, scoring a stunning 90th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory over the Netherlands. This dramatic finish sends the Three Lions to their second consecutive Euro final, where they’ll face Spain on Sunday.
Match Highlights:
- England dominated the first half but only managed a 1-1 scoreline.
- Harry Kane converted a penalty to cancel out Xavi Simons’ early strike.
- Phil Foden hit the post and had another shot cleared off the line.
- The second half was less eventful until Watkins’ introduction.
Watkins’ Impact:
Despite playing only 20 minutes in the tournament prior to this match, Watkins made the most of his late substitution. Receiving a pass from Cole Palmer, he swiveled and fired into the bottom corner, breaking the deadlock and avoiding extra time.
Key Player Performances:
- Jordan Pickford (6/10): Made crucial saves and distributed well.
- Kyle Walker (5/10): Solid defensively but slow to close down for the Dutch goal.
- John Stones (5/10): Steady without being spectacular.
- Marc Guehi (6/10): Showed dominance on his return to the lineup.
Looking Ahead
England now faces Spain in the Euro 2024 final, aiming to go one step further than their runner-up finish in 2021. Gareth Southgate’s decision to introduce Ollie Watkins proved decisive, highlighting the squad’s depth and the manager’s tactical acumen.
This victory underscores England’s resilience and attacking prowess, setting the stage for a highly anticipated final against Spain.
