Watkins Wins It for England: Sensational Injury-Time Goal Secures Euro 2024 Final Berth

Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score a dramatic injury-time winner as England edged out the Netherlands 2-1 in the semifinals of Euro 2024, setting up a title clash with Spain on Sunday.

DORTMUND, Germany — England's pursuit of Euro 2024 glory took a decisive step forward on Wednesday as substitute Ollie Watkins' sensational injury-time winner secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semifinals.

Watkins, who had earlier replaced captain Harry Kane and had seen limited playing time throughout the tournament, collected a pass from fellow substitute Cole Palmer and unleashed a lethal strike into the Dutch net, igniting jubilation among the Three Lions faithful.

Watkins Wins It for England: Sensational Injury-Time Goal Secures Euro 2024 Final Berth

The victory propels England into the final on Sunday, where they will face Spain, the team that defeated them on penalties in the Euro 2021 final.

The Netherlands, who had the better of the early exchanges, took an early lead through Xavi Simons' scorching strike from outside the area. However, England's response was swift and decisive. A VAR review awarded them a penalty for a reckless challenge on Kane by Denzel Dumfries, which Kane duly converted to level the score.

Gareth Southgate's men, playing with renewed urgency and vigor, began to dominate the game. Phil Foden, in particular, was a lively force, threatening the Dutch defense on several occasions. Yet, despite their dominance, they failed to find the winning goal during regulation time.

The second half saw both managers make tactical substitutions, seeking to gain an advantage. England introduced Luke Shaw for Kieran Trippier, while the Netherlands brought on Wout Weghorst for Donyell Malen.

However, the match remained largely deadlocked until the dying moments. With the clock ticking down, England's hopes seemed to be fading. That was until Watkins, introduced as a late substitute, rose to the occasion and produced a moment of brilliance.

Palmer's precision pass found Watkins in the box, and the Aston Villa striker unleashed a powerful shot that flew past Bart Verbruggen and into the back of the net. The goal sent shockwaves through the stadium and sparked wild celebrations among the English fans.

Watkins' heroics ensured England's passage to the final, a stage they last reached in Euro 2021. The Three Lions will now have their sights set on avenging their defeat to Italy in that final and reclaiming the European Championship trophy.

The victory is a testament to the resilience and character of Gareth Southgate's team. Despite facing adversity throughout the tournament, they have never lost their belief and have now reached the pinnacle of European football.

England will enter Sunday's final against Spain as underdogs, but they will take heart from their remarkable journey in Euro 2024. With Watkins' goal still fresh in their minds, they will be determined to create more history and bring the trophy back home.