The final is set after another magical semi-final as Ollie Watkins sends the English into dreamland.
OIlie Watkins had played 20 minutes at the Euro 2024 before tonight. And now he scored one of the most important goals of his life. The goal that sends England to the final of European Championships against Spain.
“It has to be the best. It’s another landmark but we played well throughout the game. It was complicated. They kept changing so we had to change. It was so special at the end.”
England boss Gareth Southgate
It was another magical semifinal, entertaining and competitive as well attacking. neither team sat back, both wanted the win. The Dutch played a good game, to their strengths and had their moments where they could have taken the lead. Codi Gapko had another good game for the Dutch and went close several times.
One consolation the Dutch have , they proplay scored the goal of the tournament and almost played the best move of the tournament in the second half.
But this was a destiny.
Impact substitutions
It was a goal that came from impact substitutions! Cole Palmer and Ollie watkins replaced Harry Kane and Phil Foden and on the 90th minute; Palmer with the assist, Ollie Watkins with the finish, England to Berlin!
What England showed in this game was resilience, composure and fluidity. We have flirted with danger and a few times we have thought we’re out of this tournament. The whole squad has played a part and England have only conceded 4 goals in their 6 games so far (excluding penalty shootouts).
The England team get the Royal seal of approval
The England team get the Royal seal of approval as the King has sent the below message to Gareth Southgate and all the England players and their support team:
My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the Uefa European Championship – and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.
If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!
Good luck, England.
King Charles III
What’s next for the England team ( tongue in cheek)
England have now reached the final in two of their four major tournaments under Gareth Southgate – they had only done so in one of their previous 23 World Cup/Euro appearances (1966 World Cup).
Berlin on Sunday
Well, it’s only the matter of a small game in Berlin on Sunday. England will play Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin (20:00 BST kick-off). Live on BBC One.
Another anecdote is three years ago on 11th July, England lost the final to Italy at Wembley. Tonight Watkins sends the English into dreamland, tomorrow we will worry about the Spanish.
Watkins sends the English into dreamland
