England Progress to Euro 2024 Final: Ollie Watkins Seals Dramatic Late Win
England are just one step away from lifting their first-ever European Championship trophy after a thrilling 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the semi-finals. Ollie Watkins’ stunning 90th-minute winner sent the Three Lions into the final, where they’ll face Spain at Wembley Stadium.
The game got off to a stunning start, with Xavi Simons opening the scoring for the Netherlands with a long-range thunderbolt. However, England’s response was swift, with Harry Kane equalising from the penalty spot after a VAR-awarded penalty. The decision to award the spot-kick has been described as "harsh" by many, with some arguing that the foul was not reckless or dangerous enough to warrant a penalty.
VAR Expert Explains England Penalty Call
Speaking to 90min, former referee and VAR expert, Neil Johnson, explained how the VAR team and referee, Bastian Dankert, concluded that a penalty should be awarded. "It’s a very harsh intervention by the VAR, Bastian Dankert. He has taken the nature of Dumfries’ challenge, leading with the studs as opposed to making an attempt to kick through the ball, as being reckless – which is why the Netherlands’ player was booked. And that’s the one area where a defender catching an attacker after a shot can be seen as a penalty – when it’s reckless or dangerous."
England’s Late Heroics
Gareth Southgate made the bold decision to withdraw Harry Kane with 10 minutes left in the match, replacing him with Ollie Watkins. The Aston Villa talisman has had to be patient to be given his opportunity to shine after a wonderful 2023/24 campaign at club level. He grabbed that chance with both hands as his prediction that Cole Palmer would set him up for a goal came to fruition. Watkins’ prediction proved to be correct, as Palmer provided the assist for his winning goal in the 90th minute.
A Chance to Right the Wrongs
England will now face Spain in the final, as they look to right the wrongs from their Euro 2020 final loss at Wembley Stadium. Watkins’ late winner has given the Three Lions a chance to redeem themselves and lift their first-ever European Championship trophy. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and analysis on England’s journey to the final.
Stats and Data
- Ollie Watkins has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for England this season.
- Harry Kane has scored 15 goals in 25 appearances for England this season.
- England have scored 24 goals in 12 appearances in the Euro 2024 tournament.
- The Netherlands have scored 18 goals in 12 appearances in the Euro 2024 tournament.
Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and analysis on England’s journey to the final.