England has advanced to their second consecutive European Championships final owing to Ollie Watkins’s astonishing last-minute goal against the Netherlands in Dortmund. Watkins, the striking centre-forward from Aston Villa, entered the game as an 80th minute replacer for Harry Kane, who seemed rather fatigue-ridden and ineffective. He received a pass from fellow player Cole Palmer, executed a turn and hammered a thrilling shot into Bart Verbruggen’s far post.
This magnificent score made even Gareth Southgate contemplate the potential threat his squad could pose, were they to have Watkins instead of a somewhat sluggish Kane at the forefront. For the third consecutive game, England found themselves behind initially only to stage a successful revival. A rather unusual incident occurred within the first seven minutes, leading to the Dutch capturing the first point.
In an unexpected turn of events, it was Declan Rice who stumbled and toppled, while Xavi Simons secured the ball. Retreating English defenders left Simons with no choice but to take a shot from the box’s periphery. The ball flew into the upper corner passing a flustered Jordan Pickford.
The equalising goal from England was not without its share of controversy. Bakary Saka’s shot was diverted towards Kane who, while attempting a volley, kicked Denzel Dumfries. No foul was declared initially but upon observation whereby Dumfries was kicked by Kane, Video Assistant Referee deemed it a clear error and directed Felix Zwayer, the referee, to the screen.
Zwayer then proceeded to award a penalty against England. Verbruggen correctly speculated the direction of Kane’s shot, but its power ensured the score stood at 1-1. The game was subsequently dominated by England for roughly thirty minutes, demonstrating the best form they’ve shown throughout the tournament.
The England squad’s quartet of midfielders performed with ease against the Netherlands trio, with Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo skilfully navigating the playing field and dictating the game. The Dutchmen found themselves stifled at the back, resorting to long forward passes that could not conquer the formidable English defence. England stood superior, demonstrating complete physical, technical and tactical dominance.
Netherland’s coach, Ronald Koeman, was forced to strategise. The second half saw Wout Weghorst replacing Donyell Malen, as Joey Veerman subbed in for Memphis Depay earlier. The Dutch altered their formation to match England’s four-man midfield, featuring Reijnders, Veerman, Simons and Schoutens.
As the game progressed, the changes began to manifest. The game shifted from England’s engagement on the Dutch half to the English defenders circulating the ball in the lower pitch while the Dutch pressured them. Foden and Mainoo unsubtly stepped back, and Rice became the main contributor to the ball’s movements for England.
Even though the score remained level at 1-1, England’s lowered game momentum indicated a somewhat premature confidence, particularly as chances for advancement remained unfulfilled. The intense pressure that England placed on the Netherlands in the initial half had evidently dissipated.
On the 65th minute, Pickford deflected a challenge from Van Dijk. After mishandling a cross from Cody Gakpo resulting in a corner, Simons’ failed attempt from the field edge followed. Notably, during this period, England made no significant moves. Jude Bellingham barely participated, booked due to an aggressive tackle. As Kane’s tiredness became evident, Watkins replaced him at the 80th minute. Surprisingly, Cole Palmer substituted for Phil Foden later on.
Just as it seemed England could falter under the escalating pressure, the referee interceded, giving out favourable rulings to England that halted the Dutch’s potential advances, causing uproar among the displeased Dutch fans.
As the Dutch fans braced themselves for extra time, Watkins dashed their hopes with his expertly timed late play.
England, akin to a seasoned boxer taking on a strategically selected collection of lesser opponents, has battled their way into the final in Berlin set for this Sunday. Often there’s no opportunity to progressively build form throughout a competition, but fortune favoured Southgate by providing him the chance to find his winning combination by process of experimentation.
It’s noteworthy that merely a fortnight ago he selected Conor Gallagher over Mainoo for the central midfield role. The first-half display in Dortmund far surpassed any performance exhibited during the group matches. England indeed appears to be peaking for success, right on schedule.