Euro 2024: Xavi Simons scores long-ranger to give Netherlands lead against England, Harry Kane responds with decisive penalty
The England vs Netherlands Euro 2024 semi-final clash has heated up as the Three Lions converted a decisive penalty against the Dutch to level the score 1-1.
Within seven minutes of kick-off, Xavi Simons gave Netherlands the lead with a stunning long-range shot. After receiving the ball much ahead of the penalty box, Simons brushed off Declan Rice and charged towards the English box. He shot from the edge of the box to give the Dutch the lead.
However, it didn't take England long to equalize after a supposed foul on Harry Kane gave England a decisive penalty after a VAR check. As Kane attempted to take a shot in the Dutch penalty box, his leg hit an approaching Denzel Dumfries and he stumbled over.
Amid raging debate about whether or not such a case is a penalty, the VAR granted their decision in the English favor. Harry Kane converted the kick swiftly to equalize in the 18th minute.
England or Netherlands will face Spain in the Euro 2024 final
The winners of the Euro 2024 semi-final clash between England and Netherlands will face Spain in the final on July 14 in Berlin.
Despite harsh criticism from fans and pundits alike for Gareth Southgate's football tactics, the Three Lions have made it to the semi-final. They defeated Slovakia after extra time in the Round of 16 and Switzerland in penalties in the quarter-final.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands defeated Romania in the Round of 16, before beating Turkiye in the quarter-final.
The Dutch scraped through to the Round of 16 despite ranking third in Group D in the group stages. They went through as one of the four best third-ranked teams in the tournament, after one win, one loss, and one draw in the early stages. Meanwhile, the Three Lions topped their group despite winning only one game and drawing two others.
It remains to be seen which team makes it to the Euro 2024 final with the stakes high for both sides. This could be Gareth Southgate's final chance to win silverware with the English. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman will also be looking to win big with his team after their disappointing run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. They lost against eventual champions Argentina on penalties in the quarter-finals back then.