An amazing goal by Ollie Watkins in extra time gave England a 2-1 win over the Netherlands and sent them to the Euro 2024 final. The striker for Aston Villa came on as a late replacement and scored a goal in the bottom left corner after holding off defender Stefan de Vrij with great skill. 
Gareth Southgate made one change to the team that beat Switzerland on penalties in the quarterfinals earlier. Marc Guehi came back from suspension to replace Ezri Konsa. The important thing is that the England manager kept the same three-defender formation from that game, with Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka playing as wing-backs.
In the first half, that choice paid off, as the Three Lions played what was probably their best football under Southgate.
In the seventh minute, Xavi Simons scored a great long-range goal to put the Netherlands ahead. However, Harry Kane scored from the penalty spot to tie the game.
The second half was more tense, with the Dutch regaining some control and England having fewer chances to score. But Kyle Walker was called offside, which meant Saka’s goal was not allowed to stand.
Then came the moment that England fans had been waiting for: Ollie Watkins pushed the defender aside and then hit the ball perfectly into the bottom left corner.
How did we rate the players, though? Check out what’s below.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Some might say he could have done more to help score, but it was still a great shot. Otherwise, he did what he had to do. As always, distribution is great.
Kyle Walker: Score 7
In the first half, when Malen was trying to score, that was a great block. These games haven’t been his best, but tonight he looks a lot more like Kyle Walker of Manchester City.
John Stones: 6
As always, feels good on the ball. He did a good job when the Netherlands pushed England back in the second half.
Marc Guehi – 6
Composed play by the Crystal Palace player on his return to the team. Better at defence than Walker in a back three, which is a good thing.
The Bukayo Saka – 8
Always a threat on the right side, and sometimes he almost played as a winger. England’s second goal was just inches away from being scored, but it was called offside.
Six for Declan Rice
Too easily taken away for the goal. Besides that, they felt mostly safe with what they had and looked to break forward when the chance came up.
Nine (POTM) for Kobbie Mainoo
Adding this man to the team was one of Southgate’s most important decisions. Very good in the first half; they pushed forward with the ball and made chances. He did his job on defence in the second.
Kevin Trippier – 6
There were times when his weak left foot held him back. A steady game, but Shaw was brought on at halftime and will likely start when he is fully recovered.
Beat 6 Jude Bellingham
He didn’t play as much in the first half as Foden and Mainoo, but he did help push the Dutch defence back. After half-time, it got quieter.
8 for Phil Foden
He had lightning-fast feet to set up his own chance in the first half, but it was cleared off the line. Searched for and generally found the space, taking on a more central role that he is more used to. It got quieter in the second half as the Netherlands took charge.
Harry Kane: 6
He won the penalty and made the extra point; no one thought he would miss from 12 yards out. Movement was better than we’ve seen all competition, but he was taken off with 10 minutes left.
Luke Shaw – 7
It’s great to see the Manchester United player back in shape. He didn’t have many chances to make something, but late in the game he sent a beautiful cross that found Watkins.
Cole Palmer: 7
Changed Foden late in the game and gave them extra power. From the edge of the box, they fired a shot over the bar. Then the all-important pass to Watkins showed why people trust him to do well in big games. And boy, does he give.
Nine for Ollie Watkins
tried to get in behind the Dutch back line and make them work harder. The goal was a nine grade for a finish that looks like a nine. Immortality right away.