In a pulsating Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund, England booked their place in the final with a dramatic 2–1 win over the Netherlands. It was a night filled with tension, quality, and a moment of late magic that will live long in English football history. The Dutch took an early lead, England hit back through Harry Kane’s penalty, and substitute Ollie Watkins became the hero with a stunning stoppage-time winner.

Match Recap

First Half

The game burst into life almost immediately. In the 7th minute, Xavi Simons capitalised on a loose touch from Declan Rice, drove forward and unleashed a thunderous shot from outside the box into the far corner, giving Jordan Pickford no chance.

England, stunned but not shaken, began to respond with composure and intent. Their equaliser came just over ten minutes later when Harry Kane was caught by Denzel Dumfries inside the box. After a VAR check confirmed the foul, Kane stepped up and calmly buried the penalty into the bottom corner to make it 1–1.

From there, England took control of the first half. Phil Foden was lively throughout, striking the post with a curling effort and forcing Bart Verbruggen into a superb save with another attempt. At the other end, Dumfries nearly restored the Dutch lead with a header that struck the crossbar, but England went into the break looking the sharper of the two sides.

Second Half & Late Drama

The second half was far more tense. The Netherlands tightened up defensively and introduced Wout Weghorst to add physical presence up front. England, while still organised, looked less fluid going forward.

Midway through the half, Bukayo Saka thought he had put England ahead, finishing well from a Kyle Walker cutback, but the flag went up, Walker had just strayed offside.

As the match edged towards extra time, Gareth Southgate made the bold call to replace captain Kane and Foden with Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins. It proved a masterstroke.

In the 90th minute, Palmer received the ball on the edge of the Dutch area and slipped a perfect pass into Watkins. The Aston Villa striker spun brilliantly away from Stefan de Vrij and fired low across goal into the far corner. The England bench erupted. Moments later, the referee’s whistle confirmed it, England were heading to another major final.

Key Talking Points

1. Substitutes Sealing the Deal

Once again, Southgate’s changes made the difference. Palmer provided the assist, Watkins supplied the finish. It was a testament to the depth and spirit of this England squad that two players coming off the bench could decide a semi-final.

2. The Penalty Debate

The first-half penalty was a major talking point. Many Dutch fans felt Kane went down too easily under Dumfries’ challenge, while others argued the contact was clear enough. In the end, VAR sided with England, and Kane, as always, kept his cool.

3. England’s Mental Resilience

For the third straight knockout game, England came from behind. This team’s ability to stay calm under pressure has become one of its greatest strengths, and it was on full display once again in Dortmund.

4. Defensive Grit

England’s defence, particularly Marc Guéhi and John Stones, handled a dangerous Dutch attack well. Apart from Simons’ early strike, they limited the Netherlands to few clear chances, with Pickford largely untroubled after the break.

5. Southgate’s Tactical Courage

Much has been said about Southgate’s cautious nature, but this was a night where his substitutions showed bravery and belief. Removing Kane for Watkins was a gamble, but one that paid off spectacularly.

Final Preview

England now head to Berlin to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final, a clash between two sides with very different styles. Spain have been the standout team of the tournament, full of energy and invention through young stars like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. England, meanwhile, will rely on their structure, big-game experience, and a growing sense of destiny.

After heartbreak in 2021, this feels like a different England, calmer, cleverer, and more resilient. With one more step to take, the question remains: can they finally go all the way and bring it home?