England 2-1 Netherlands: Reaction as Watkins fires Southgate's heroes to Euro final – Express
But once inside the stadium, the football took over. Xavi Simons handed the Dutch an early lead after just seven minutes, firing past Jordan Pickford with a fierce strike from range.
England clicked into gear soon after with Harry Kane winning a penalty after a controversial intervention from VAR. The striker made no mistake from the spot and despite dominating the first half, England couldn’t find the goal.
That was until substitute Ollie Watkins came off the bench to fire past Bart Verbruggen in the 90th minute and seal a final berth for the Three Lions. They will face Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin after the 2012 winners beat France 2-1 on Tuesday night.
England vs Netherlands LIVE reaction below
Gareth Southgate, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, singled out Phil Foden for praise:
“Very special night and hopefully very special for everyone at home. I thought our performance was really good.
“You knew with the Netherlands they have more quality so they can punish you like they did, but there’s more opportunity to play. Our midfield players, Foden especially, were key finding space and they had to keep changing what they were doing.
“Bukayo, did an immense job. He started as a wing-back and he defended as a winger at times – it was one of those nights that everyone had to be flexible.”
“Recently I have obviously got a bit frustrated. I don’t like to be on the bench, I have had the best season of my career.
“A few friends messaged me and said be patient and the amount of people who messaged me tonight saying I would score when I come on was ridiculous. Hopefully they can do the same for the final or give me the lottery numbers.”
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Watkins reflects on his journey from the non-league.
“I never thought I’d be playing in the Euros for England. You can dream but I am a realist, I just take by day and one step at a time. I was just focused on getting back into the first team at Exeter.
“I have put a lot of work to get to this point, not just this season. I will enjoy every moment.”
In March 2015, Ollie Watkins was playing for Weston-super-Mare and come on as a substitute against Basingstoke Town.
Nine years later, he is living the dream of every footballer after taking England to the Euro 2024 final.
Never give up on your dreams, kids.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham, speaking to ITV Sport:
“We’re going to get criticism when we don’t play well but it’s important that we build that resistance to it and we come together and win these games.
“These moments are great, it brings us together as a team and a family. These moments make us more together and we take it into the final now.”
Watkins performance: “Ollie Watkins came on and took his opportunity. I’m buzzing for him. You’re not starting every game like you would for your club and it’s difficult.”
On facing Spain: “Spain have looked amazing, they’ve looked really good. We’ll sit down and understand how they play.”
England captain Harry Kane, speaking to ITV Sport:
“History made. Amazing achievement. I’m so proud of everyone. Every player, every member of staff, I’m so proud of them. To do what we’ve done away from home is really special. There’s that feeling there’s one more left and we need to do that on Saturday.”
On Ollie Watkins: “We talk about being ready. We’re a big team at being ready. When it matters, you might get five minutes, one minute, but you can make a difference , you can win us a tournament. He’s been waiting, he’s been patient. What he did was outstanding and he deserves it.”
On the performance: “Especially in the first half we had a lot of control. Second half there were a few tired legs out there. Overall I thought we deserved to win it.”
On his penalty: “My foot’s hanging off so he definitely caught me! Sometimes you get them, sometimes you don’t. I was happy to step up and see that go in the back of he net. It was a nice feeling for sure.”
On playing Spain: “Another unbelievably tough game. There’s one more game to make history. That’s what we’re excited about. It’s been a tough journey but there’s one more. 90 minutes, 120, penalties, whatever it takes we’ll be there. I’m looking forward to it.”
King Charles has sent a message of congratulations to the England team after their triumph against the Netherlands. Here’s what the King had to say:
“My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the Uefa European Championship – and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.
“If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!
“Good luck, England. Charles R”
Ollie Watkins reacts to his match-winning goal. Speaking to ITV Sport:
“I swear on my life and my kid’s life, I said to Cole Palmer we’re coming on today and you’re going to set me up. That’s why I was so happy with Cole, I knew as soon as he got the ball he was going to play me. You’ve got to be greedy, touch and finish.”
He’s now lead England to back-to-back European Championship finals. There have been doubts, criticism and many more emotions, but he deserves massive credit for making England believe again.
It’s worth mentioning as well that the goal came from both of his substitutes, with Palmer feeding Watkins to score a sensational winning goal.
THAT’S IT! ENGLAND ARE INTO THE EURO 2024 FINAL!
What a moment. What a team!
England have done it. They’ve vanquished the pain from their Netherlands defeat all those years ago. THAT was a performance to be proud of.
They’ve gone from being within 86 seconds of crashing out to Slovakia to beating the Netherlands in the 90th minute.
Spain, here we come.
Southgate sends on Gallagher and Konsa to help defend the lead.
90 mins: OLLIE WATKINS SURELY FIRES ENGLAND INTO THE FINAL!!!
IT’S THE SUPER SUB WHO SCORES!
Oh my word! What a finish from the substitute. England break forward down the right and it’s a superb pass from Palmer into Watkins’ feet.
With one touch out of his feet, he hammers an effort across Verbruggen and it nestles into the far corner. An OUTSTANDING strike!
A stroke of genius from Southgate. Is it… coming home?
Southgate’s changes very nearly paid off as Saka’s cross just eludes Watkins at the near post.
Palmer picks up at the far stick and fancies a hit, only for him to blaze over from the edge of the box. Not one of his best!
86 mins: Saka goes into the book for timewasting as the Netherlands get a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Van Dijk rises to meet the cross but the bounces away for a goal-kick. He clearly felt it should be a corner and his protests land him a yellow card as well.
What’s more important than football tonight?
Well, for the new UK prime minister Keir Starmer, some duties (such as a NATO summit) can’t be ignored.
But the football-mad Labour leader did manage to sneak out to check the score!
Picked the right moment to pop out from NATO meetings and check the score…@MinPres pic.twitter.com/gqnCK8ogri
80 mins: Southgate rolls the dice with a double substitution.
It’s a surprising change, with Foden and Kane both coming off to be replaced by Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer. That means no Kane in the shootout if we get there.
Then again, Watkins and Palmer have just the 41 Premier League goals between them this season…
79 mins: GOAL… NO! OFFSIDE!
Saka thinks he’s scored, but the flag is up!
So, so close for England. Walker bursts down the right and cuts it back for Saka, who slams it home. But the flag goes straight up and it’s a superb decision from the assistant referee.
A clearance from Stones falls straight to Simons on the volley, only for the 21-year-old to strike his volley into the ground and Pickford saves it comfortably.
72 mins: Bellingham goes into the book with a yellow card after arriving slightly late to a 50-50 with De Vrij and catches the centre-back.
That challenge was born out of frustration more than anything else. It’s just not been his night… so far.
69 mins: The momentum has changed in Dortmund and it certainly feels like the Dutch are growing in confidence.
With Van Dijk, De Vrij and Weghorst, they have an aerial threat that could cause serious problems for England.
Nervy times ahead of the Three Lions.
65 mins: Pickford denies Van Dijk!
Top work from the England goalkeeper to keep the scores level.
The Netherlands get a free-kick on the right-hand side after Guehi fouled Simons and Veerman does a much better job with the delivery this time.
In fact, it’s an absolute peach. The ball whips in and bounces on the penalty spot for Van Dijk, who prods the ball goalwards, but Pickford pushes it away from danger.
They need to try and get Weghorst into the game. At the moment, he’s a passenger up top.
60 mins: Is it a bit unfair to say England have settled back into their old habits?
The passing is slow, a little bit laboured and the dangerous trio of Foden, Bellingham and Saka aren’t finding the same space as they did in the first half.
Hard to tell if that’s a credit to Koeman or a result of Southgate’s tactics.
The 19-year-old not only looks assured in possession, he manages to snatch the ball from Reijnders just when it looked like the Netherlands were threatening.
Whatever happens tonight, he’s enjoyed a fine tournament.
51 mins: Given the tension and effort expended in the first half, it would’ve been difficult to maintain the same tempo level. It’s a bit calmer and cagey now.
The fans are doing their best to keep things lively, though. The atmosphere has been exceptional for hours on end and that’s a real credit to them.
46 mins: Changes from both managers!
We’re back underway in Dortmund and both managers are making a change at the interval.
Luke Shaw enters the fray with Trippier hooked by Southgate. That’s a like-for-like swap at left wing-back.
Koeman responds by sending on target man Wout Weghorst for Malen, which is a surprise given how dangerous he has been on the counter.
Discussing the penalty at half-time on ITV, there has been a difference in opinion between two former England internationals Gary Neville and Ian Wright.
Neville described the decision to award the penalty is an “absolute disgrace”, while Wright called it a “reckless” challenge as Dumfries’ studs were showing.
It’s difficult to avoid the idea that if the penalty had been given against England, the reaction might well have been stronger.
A breathless half of football comes to a close and there’s nothing to separate the two sides at the break.
Xavi Simons put the Dutch in front early on but a controversial Harry Kane penalty – awarded by VAR – has brought the Three Lions right back into this semi-final.
If this second half is anything like the first 45 minutes, you won’t want to miss it.
But it sails out harmlessly for a goal-kick. He had an alarming amount of space there, though.
45 mins: Three more minutes of added time will be played.
England will be delighted with their performance but equally frustrated if they’re not leading at the end of the first half.
42 mins: That change looks to have settled the Netherlands but England are still enjoying the lionshare of possession.
Crucially for Southgate’s men, there appears to be more cohesion in their build-up play. The smalll passes between Bellingham, Foden and Kane are causing all sorts of problems.
The Dutch midfield triumvirate haven’t been able to get near them so far.
35 mins: Memphis Depay’s night is over and Koeman has been forced into an early change. Huge blow for them.
The striker has come off with an injury to be replaced by Joey Veerman, who will make up a three-man midfield.
A small tactical tweak, but one that was definitely needed as England have been on top.
31 mins: Foden hits the post!
Someone’s been watching Lamine Yamal…
That was some effort from the midfielder, who curls one from 25 yards out and it looks to be destined for the top corner. But cruelly for Foden, it grazes the woodwork and bounces out for a goal kick.
Remarkably, he still hasn’t found the net in this tournament despite hitting the woodwork twice.
Fantastic work from Walker as the Netherlands piece together another fine counter-attack.
But the experienced right-back senses the danger and throws his body in the way of Malen’s shot.
From the resulting corner, Simons swings in a dangerous delivery and Dumfries is only inches away from restoring the lead for the Dutch, as his header clips the top of the bar and goes over.
What a game this is!
Foden seems to be enjoying the freedom afforded to him inside as well, he’s been bright in the early moments.
23 mins: How has Foden not scored?!
Oh wow. What a moment that could’ve been for England. Foden produces some magic with his feet inside the box and dribbles around Verbruggen, poking the ball underneath the goalkeeper.
It looks to be trickling ove the line until Dumfries hacks it away – and the goal-line technology says NO GOAL.
Still 1-1, somehow. England are turning the screw now.
19 mins: Kane steps up… and SCORES!
The England captain hasn’t had his best tournament by any means, but he’s won the spot-kick and picked himself up to take it too.
He begins his short run-up and beats Verbruggen with a powerful low effort into the bottom corner.
Was there ever any doubt?
The referee Felix Zwayer has been told to consult the pitchside monitor with the recommendation to award a penalty for the challenge on Kane.
After a brief deliberation, he points to the spot and the England fans are delighted!
It has to be said, there wasn’t much contact. But England won’t mind!
14 mins: KANE GOES CLOSE!
So close for England. Saka drifts in from the right and he delays, delays and delays… before his shot is blocked.
The rebound falls to Kane, who connects superbly but strikes over. He’s gone down holding his leg, appearing to suggest there was contact from the defender Dumfries.
11 mins: England have responded well to going behind and look threatening on the break.
Kane has an effort from distance palmed away by Verbruggen and Rice, at the far post, should’ve done better with his header.
7 mins: It’s a disastrous start for Southgate’s men!
What a poor goal to concede. Declan Rice is caught in possession in his own half and Xavi Simons is onto it in a rush.
The youngster races towards goal and with no challenge forthcoming rifles one from 20 yards out. He celebrates wildly as it flies past Jordan Pickford, who could’ve done better to stop that.
Let’s see how England react to going behind.
England go straight up the other end with Harry Kane, but he lays it off to Bukayo Saka and his cross is cleared without too much fuss.
We’re underway in Dortmund to a massive roar from the crowd.
England are wearing their white and navy strip, whilst the Netherlands are kitted out in an all-orange ensemble.
We’re all ready for a phenomenal game of football.
Let’s bring it home.
What a scene it is at Signal Iduna Park right now. Nations flags flying, pyrotechnic smoke billowing… fans singing happily.
This is what football is all about.
The teams are in the tunnel. The referees look ultra-focused with the players behind them. This truly feels like a Euro 2024 semi-final.
There are crucial battles all over the pitch tonight with world-class talent on offer from both sides. It does feel like the Netherlands could pose some problems to the nervy England backline.
The main attraction will be the duel between Virgil van Dijk and Harry Kane, two absolute heavyweights in European football.
But don’t forget Bukayo Saka is up against Nathan Ake, while Cody Gakpo facing Kyle Walker – all of whom have played each other in the Premier League for their respective clubs.
It should be an intriguing tactical battle, especially with the Dutch going with a back four and England setting up in a fluid 3-4-2-1 formation.
The England fans have somehow managed to bring the dreadful UK weather with them to Germany. It’s been absolutely hammering it down in Dortmund.
Worse yet, they still haven’t bothered to fix the leaky roof at Signal Iduna Park – and the downpour has created a waterfall effect for some fans to enjoy.
Could this feel any MORE like a Premier League game?
“I think we showed that in the quarter-finals, we used the ball better. I thought we were a lot more composed. I think we play a team who are a notch up from Switzerland, but also may [give us] more space to play as well.
On swapping Guehi for Konsa…
“We’re quite flexible in having Bukayo [Saka], playing higher or he can play lower. The team are settled and I mean Ezri did a brilliant job for us the other day.
“But Marc has been exceptional throughout the tournament. We’ve got Luke [Shaw] who is very close to starting games as well.”
“We’re looking forward to the game. Over the last couple of the days, and at the beginning of the tournament, we were too concerned with what could go wrong,” Southgate said, speaking to ITV.
“That dynamic changes now, as we have got the chance to make history and we’re two games away from something very exciting.
“We’ve felt that over the last few days especially, we’re united with our fans and that now feels, which gives us a huge boost.
“It might seem normal to be in a semi-final but that’s not the reality. You have to grasp these opportunities and you don’t want to come in having not played your very best.”
We’re just under an hour away from kick-off now and the nerves will be building inside the England dressing room.
The expectation on these players is understandably massive. Will they cope with the pressure?
With players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in their lineup, Gareth Southgate will be desperate for his players to prove their doubters wrong tonight.
Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo – their top scorer with three goals in the tournament – are both handed starts.
Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simon, Gakpo; Depay.
As expected, Gareth Southgate has recalled Marc Guehi in place of Ezri Konsa after serving his one-game suspension.
Looks like England will be keeping the 3-4-2-1 formation that saw a minor improvement against Switzerland.
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Rice, Mainoo, Trippier; Foden, Bellingham; Kane.
While England stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold stepped out to boos, the Netherlands players have just begun to arrive at the stadium and received a warm welcome the crowd.
That gives you an indication of just how many Dutch supporters have secured tickets for tonight’s game. It’s going to feel an away tie almost for Southgate’s men.
A few England players were greeted with some light boos from the Dutch area as they walk around on the pitch.
There’s an air of tranquility at the moment around Signal Iduna Park, but this is the calm before the storm – and you can bet it won’t be quiet in just under two hours’ time when kick-off arrives.
The Three Lions supporters had been drinking in a local pub when they were set upon in a reportedly random attack from Dutch thugs, with footage showing them throwing punches and launching chairs.
According to MailOnline, five fans have been left with injuries from the attack. It is not yet known if they have been taken to hospital for treatment.
UK police have confirmed gangs of Dutch fans have travelled to Dortmund and warned England supporters to seek refuge in an area where German police officers at present.
England fans were attacked by rival Netherlands supporters in Dortmund just hours before the Euro 2024 semi-final was due to kick off.
Ugly scenes unfolded in the German city on Wednesday afternoon as it emerged that a group of Dutch fans targeted their English counterparts at a local pub.
Video footage emerged on social media appearing to show England fans – who were situated at a local establishment – being struck with wooden chairs and stalls, while fans dressed in orange attire threw punches.
In the clip, fights began to break out between the two sets on fans with some fans in England merchandise taking shelter in a nearby pub to avoid getting involved.
However, Dutch fans quickly swept inside the pub and reignited the attacks. It is not yet known what triggered the attack, but unconfirmed reports from eyewitnesses claimed the attack came from “out of the blue”.
Stay with us as we get more information on this breaking story.
The Oranje beat Turkey 2-1 in 90 minutes on Saturday night, while Gareth Southgate’s England needed 120 minutes and a penalty shootout to finally see off Switzerland.
But Koeman believes the time between the matches doesn’t make much difference, particularly as both sides played on the same day, and hinted that England could be worse off than his team due to the exhausting game they played only five days ago.
“No, there’s not a big difference. Of course, we had fewer days to prepare for the match, but we didn’t have extra time like England had,” Koeman told UEFA.com.
“Physically, the team is really strong. We are sharp, we are concentrated, and we are looking forward to playing a good game.”
On their performance against Turkey, Koeman dismissed suggestions that his side were fortunate to progress, despite a number of last-ditch blocks and saves from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
“We won and it was a deserved win. We played a great second half and we fought until the last second,” he added. “It was a difficult period in the match but we showed a lot of character and passion to keep the score at 2-1.”
As this fan image seems to suggest, Dortmund has already turned orange – with England supporters certainly looking a little bit outnumbered in the fan zones and on the streets.
If you’re out there, make yourselves known!
England fans are a little bit outnumbered by the Dutch in Dortmund. #euro2024 pic.twitter.com/P2QYlWM9ax
It is fair to say the Dutch supporters are enjoying themselves in Dortmund.
Thousands of fans have gathered in unison on the streets of the German city to perform the ‘Left Right’ viral song and dance, which was seen earlier in the tournament.
Shifting from right to left together and singing at the top of their lungs, it promises to be quite a noisy atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park tonight.
DORTMUND!#NothingLikeOranje #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/8qrdLsOGDD
Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has claimed he is ‘ready’ for if the game goes to penalties tonight.
The Brighton shot-stopper appears enthusiastic about the contest going the distance in Dortmund, saying: “You always try to win in 90 minutes. But if it goes to spot kicks, we’ll be ready. You just try to prepare yourself as well as you can, together with the other keepers, our analysts and our staff.
“I’m comfortable with the idea. I’ve had penalties scored against me in the past, but I’ve also stopped plenty. If the moment comes [against England], I’m going to stand, with confidence, and try to be decisive for the team. That’s all I can do.”
No England supporter will be wanting to be thinking about defeat tonight, but there have been questions about whether there is a third-round play-off match at Euro 2024.
Find out more about whether the competition has them here and what this means for the losers of tonight’s contest against the Netherlands
A friendly atmosphere is building in Dortmund where both sets of fans are mingling trouble-free.
Our photographer Andy Stenning caught a group of Dutch supporters kindly kindly helping an England fan in a wheelchair off a curb.
He also snapped a pleasant shot of English and Dutch signing together.
It’s the first time all tournament that the English will be out-numbered at a match.
The England skipper has been criticised for some of his displays at Euro 2024, prompting calls for Ivan Toney to lead the line against the Netherlands instead of the Bayern Munich star.
But Kane has declared that he feels that he is improving with every match for the Three Lions, saying: “I think there are always going to be times… especially if you look over the last couple of major tournaments, there’s always been at some stage question marks over my fitness or my form.
“I think it is part and parcel of it. I always say I want to score in every game, I want to try and help the team in every game from that sense, but also my role isn’t just scoring goals.
“Maybe sometimes when I don’t score I think the fitness one is an easy one just to throw in now – ‘Why? Is there a reason? Is it his fitness? Is it not?’ But like I said before the tournament, I felt like I had a good preparation going into it, I felt like I’m getting better and sharper as the games go along.”
The fan zone in Dortmund was evacuated last night while England and Netherlands fans were attempting to watch France vs Spain.
A messaged appeared on the big screens that read: “The fan zone is being cleared. Please leave the area!”
The storm passed overnight so the fan zone reopened on Wednesday morning.
But it quickly reached it’s capacity due to the 80,000 Dutch fans that have travelled the short distance over the border.
The only change will see Marc Guehi return from suspension in place of Ezri Konsa.
Leaked starting XI: Pickford; Guehi, Stones, Walker; Trippier, Rice, Mainoo, Saka; Bellingham, Foden; Kane.
Good afternoon and welcome to Express Sport’s live coverage of England vs Netherlands.
We’ll bring you all the build up and live action ahead of tonight’s huge semi-final clash, which kicks off at 8pm.
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