The EURO 2024 semi-final between England and the Netherlands ended with a successful comeback by the Three Lions to help the foggy country reach the final for the second consecutive time.

 

Detailed report

Goal

England: Kane (18′, pen), Watkins (90+1′)Netherlands: Simons (7′)

England and the Netherlands went into the penultimate match of the EURO 2024 finals with just one change from their quarter-final matches. For England, manager Gareth Southgate brought on the suspended Marc Guehi to replace Konsa and his counterpart Ronald Koeman decided to make just one change to the Netherlands squad, with Donyell Malen coming on for Steven Bergwijn.

In contrast to the “sleep-inducing” situation in previous matches, England entered the big match against the Netherlands with high determination to take an early lead. However, when the Three Lions’ attacking machine was still struggling to find a way into the opponent’s goal, a mistake from the most stable star, Declan Rice, made them pay the price. From Rice’s unsuccessful challenge in the area in front of the England penalty area, Xavi Simons stole the ball and fired a shot from more than 20 meters away, defeating Jordan Pickford to open the score.

Simons scored the opening goal of the match.

However, the Netherlands’ lead did not last long, as they were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute. Denzel Dumfries kicked Harry Kane in the penalty area and after VAR intervened, the England captain converted this delicious opportunity into an equalizer.

After Kane’s goal, the match became more open and exciting. Phil Foden had two good chances, when he was denied by the post and also saved by Dumfries on the goal line. And for the Netherlands, Dumfries had a chance to redeem himself but his header in the 30th minute hit the crossbar of Pickford’s goal.

Kane equalizes for England

Entering the second half, the Netherlands was the team that entered the game and played better, creating a few good opportunities but not taking advantage of them, especially the situation where captain Virgil Van Dijk had a very quick touch in the penalty area but was saved excellently by goalkeeper Pickford.

As for England, the foggy team did not play really well, not creating any really good chances until about the last 10 minutes of the match, when coach Southgate made some very bold substitutions, with two pillars, Kane and Foden, leaving the field to make way for Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer. And it was these changes that made the difference when Palmer created for Watkins so that this player could control and finish the classic diagonal shot into the far corner to help England successfully reverse the score.

Watkins seals victory for England

While many people were still thinking about the extra time scenario, the surprise came and in the end, England had their third consecutive match at EURO, successfully coming from behind to win 2-1 and, for the second consecutive time, qualifying for the final.

The first two defendersare: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Stones; Trippier (Shaw 46′), Saka (Konsa 90′), Mainoo (Gallagher 90′), Rice; Foden (Palmer 81′), Bellingham; and Kane (Watkins 81′) .