Watkins’ heroics send England to Euro 2024 final as Spain awaits

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

England and Spain will clash in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday, following a last-minute goal from substitute Ollie Watkins that secured a victory for the Three Lions over the Netherlands.

The semi-final appeared headed for extra time at 1-1, after Captain Harry Kane’s debatable first-half penalty equalized Xavi Simons’ early strike. Aston Villa striker Watkins then delivered a late goal, sending England to their second consecutive EURO final.

England dominated the first half, with Phil Foden standing out by hitting the post with a long-range effort and forcing a fine save from Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen.

ALSO READ:

• Euro 2024: Mikel Merino breaks German hearts with 119th-minute winner
• Spain vs France: the battle of the heavyweights
• Titans collide: Spain and Germany in a battle of records and rising stars in Euro 2024 quarterfinal
• Euro 2024: Netherlands’ first quarter-final appearance in 16 years thrills Gakpo

The Netherlands, who saw Denzel Dumfries’ header hit the bar before halftime, took control after the break, necessitating crucial saves from Jordan Pickford to keep England level.

The game seemed headed for extra time until a superb late strike from late substitute Watkins secured their spot in the European Championship final on a dramatic night in Dortmund.

England is now just one game away from their first major tournament victory since winning the World Cup in 1966. The 58-year wait has often been described as “years of hurt.”

Their Euro 2024 campaign in Germany started slowly but has now caught fire. England will face favorites Spain in the final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, seeking to end their long drought.

England scramble win again

Throughout the tournament, England has made a habit of coming from behind and enduring tense moments. This pattern continued with a late goal from Ollie Watkins, which secured their place in the final.

The upcoming match against Spain offers England a chance to avenge their painful loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. Under Gareth Southgate, England has reached the semi-finals of the World Cup and two Euro finals. Sunday presents another opportunity to change their history, despite the challenge posed by a talented Spanish side.

For Southgate, reaching another final validates his strategies, which have faced scrutiny due to inconsistent performances earlier in the tournament. Victory in Berlin would transform the narrative of his tenure.

The introduction of Watkins with nine minutes remaining proved decisive, as the Aston Villa striker’s energy and pace troubled the Dutch defense. His well-taken goal secured the win in a tightly contested match.

England has faced many disappointments in the past and will enter the final as underdogs against Spain. However, there is a strong belief within Southgate’s team that they can finally secure the long-awaited silverware.

Tags: England, Spain, Ollie Watkins, Gareth Southgate, Cole Palmer, #Euro2024, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcsports