Euro 2024: Ollie Watkins scores 90th-minute winner for England in SF against the Netherlands
Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins took England into the Euro 2024 final with a 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands. Gareth Southgate's men were the more clinical side at Signal Iduna Park, winning 2-1, on Wednesday (July 10).
England son the back foot, as the Netherlands enjoyed a rather brilliant start to the Euro 2024 semi-final. Just seven minutes into the game, a mistake from Declan Rice saw Xavi Simons steal the ball and drive into the top corner, beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
However, the Three Lions began to dominate possession (58%) and proceedings. While their opponents couldn't create big chances, they made two, with one coming from a Harry Kane penalty. The Bayern Munich forward was fouled in the box by Denzel Dumfries, and he stepped up to convert.
Bukayo Saka thought he had scored the winner when he converted a cross from Kyle Walker, but the right-back was offside before he haad put the ball to Saka. It took Ollie Watkins, who came on as a substitute for Harry Kane, and Cole Palmer, who came on for Phil Foden, to seal the game.
With a minute of regulation-time left, the Chelsea playmaker turned expertly before releasing a pass to find Watkins in the box. Taking a touch, the 28-year-old Aston Villa striker set himself up before powering a shot between the legs of Stefan de Vrij, beating goalkeeper Bart Vebruggen at the far post.
The Three Lions - into successive Euro finals for the first time - take on Spain in the Euro 2024 title match in Berlin on Sunday (July 14).
Ollie Watkins opens up about winning goal for England in EURO 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands
Ollie Watkins came on as a substitute for Harry Kane in the 81st minute when the score was 1-1. He won the Player of the Match award after securing a berth in the final for the Three Lions.
After the win, he revealed (via John Townley):
"I said to (Cole Palmer): 'We're going to come on, and you're going to set me up.' I knew, as soon as he got the ball, he was going to play me in. When it went in the bottom corner, it was the best feeling ever."
Watkins has led England to the Euro 2024 final - their first final on foreign soil - as they seek to win the title. However, it won't be easy against a La Roja side who have been one of the best teams in the tournament.