Netherlands vs England: Three Lions Reach Euro 2024 Final

In a thrilling Euro 2024 Netherlands vs England semi-final, England dramatically defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in Dortmund, Germany, securing their place in the tournament final. Substitute Ollie Watkins’ stoppage-time goal proved decisive, setting up a championship clash with Spain in Berlin on Sunday.

GOAL!

Netherlands 1-2 England (Watkins 90'+1)#EURO2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/kEb6v5pEnG
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024

Key Highlights of Netherlands vs England

Early Dutch Lead: Xavi Simons put the Netherlands ahead with a brilliant strike in the 7th minute.
Kane’s Equalizer: Harry Kane leveled the score from the penalty spot in the 18th minute.
Second-Half Tension: Both teams had chances, with England losing momentum after a strong first half.
Watkins’ Winner: The Aston Villa forward scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, assisted by Cole Palmer.

Match Summary

Netherlands 1 (Simons 7′)

England 2 (Kane 18′ pen, Watkins 90+’)

The match began with intensity as Simons capitalized on a Declan Rice error to give the Dutch an early lead. England responded quickly, with Kane converting a penalty after a VAR review. The first half saw both teams hit the woodwork, with Denzel Dumfries for the Netherlands and Phil Foden for England coming close.

England’s performance in the first half was a marked improvement from their previous matches, with Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka showing their club form. However, the second half saw England lose momentum, reminiscent of their 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 exits.

Gareth Southgate’s late substitutions proved crucial, with Watkins and Palmer combining for the winning goal. The victory marks England’s first major final on foreign soil, setting up an exciting clash with Spain.

For the Netherlands, it was a heartbreaking end to their tournament, having now lost four semi-finals since their 1988 European Championship victory.