Ollie Watkins was England’s hero in Dortmund (Picture: Getty Images)
A stoppage time winner from Ollie Watkins has fired England into the final of Euro 2024 as it secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday night.
The Three Lions have reached the final of a major competition for the first ever time outside of their own country, with Spain awaiting them in Munich.
Xavi Simons had put the Dutch ahead through a stunning long range strike on seven minutes, with an England win looking a long way away at that point.
However, a Harry Kane penalty levelled just 11 minutes later and substitute Watkins expertly finished on 90 minutes to fire his country into the showpiece.
England beat Netherlands to reach Euro 2024 final – as it happened
Jordan Pickford – 6
Beaten from range by Xavi Simons’ powerful effort which he could have saved but it would have been a sensational stop if he had pulled it off. Otherwise solid enough, including a stop from Virgil van Dijk in the second half.
Kyle Walker – 8
The recovery pace of the Manchester City defender continues to be incredible at 34 years old and it was on show again in the semi-final. Playing as one of three centre-backs allowed him to be more adventurous going forward and he offered an outlet offensively as well as his reliably excellent defensive work.
Gareth Southgate has led England into consecutive European Championship finals (Picture: Getty Images)
John Stones – 7
The classy centre-back can go largely unnoticed but he put in a very good display at the back, without error and clearly leading the backline as the most experienced man in the position.
Marc Guehi – 7
Similar to Stones, Guehi quietly went about his business and looked at ease on the international scene as he has done all tournament. The Crystal Palace man cut out a fantastic Dutch move deep into the second half, marking his most memorable contribution of the game.
Bukayo Saka – 7
After an impressive performance at right wing-back against Switzerland in the previous round, the Arsenal man looked good again, providing threat on that flank. He performed his defensive duties as well as he needed to, with the rapid Kyle Walker helping him out behind him.
Bukayo Saka was a regular threat for England from right wing-back (Picture: Getty Images)
Kieran Trippier – 5
Did a good job at pinning back dangerous Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries, but continued to be frustratingly blunt going forward as a right-footed left wing-back. Not really his fault as he is playing out of position, but replaced by natural left-footer Luke Shaw at half-time.
Declan Rice – 6
The reliable midfielder will be disappointed with how easily he was outmuscled and dispossessed by Xavi Simons before the Dutchman put his country ahead. Otherwise he put in a steady performance at the base of midfield.
Kobbie Mainoo – 9
Kobbie Mainoo was excellent again for England (Picture: Getty Images)
Very impressive in midfield again as the 19-year-old looked good going forward, defensively and always neat and tidy in possession. He has cemented that position in the middle of the pitch alongside Rice after not beginning the tournament in Southgate’s starting XI.
Jude Bellingham – 7
Not his most dynamic performance, but did as well as he could to keep the tempo up in the second half as it worryingly dipped for the Three Lions, although that did lead to a booking. The redesigned box midfield saw him and Foden look good together in the first half.
Phil Foden – 7
Phil Foden saw a brilliant effort hit the post in the first half (Picture: Getty Images)
The Manchester City superstar was brilliant in the first half, his team’s best player as he proved to be a constant threat. He saw an effort cleared off the line and another crash off the outside of the post with the Dutch looking fearful of him. However, his influence declined dramatically after the break and after offering little in the second half was taken off on 80 minutes.
Harry Kane – 6
The England captain expertly put his penalty kick away in the first half, firing it low into the corner and the goalkeeper could do nothing despite going the right way. However, he was not much of a threat otherwise and there were times when the Three Lions needed their centre-forward to be on the end of balls into the box and he was nowhere to be seen.
Harry Kane clinically put England’s penalty away in the first half (Picture: Getty Images)
Subs
Luke Shaw – 7
Looked a much more potent attacking threat at left wing-back than Trippier, who he replaced at half-time.
Ollie Watkins – 9
Came on late for captain Harry Kane and was the hero as he scored the winner in the 90th minute with a fantastic finish from a tight angle. Hardly touched the ball (four touches in total), but made the most of his opportunity.
Cole Palmer – 7
Provided an excellent assist for Watkins after coming on as a late substitute, replacing Foden and ominously floating around on the right flank.
Ezri Konsa – 5
Came on at the death.
Conor Gallagher – 5
Came on at the death.
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