England 2-1 Netherlands: Player ratings as Three Lions secure place in Euro 2024 final with dramatic Watkins winner

England is set to face Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 final on Sunday, following a thrilling 2-1 semi-final victory over the Netherlands in Dortmund.

This marks England’s 2nd consecutive European Championship final, a remarkable achievement considering they went 55 years without reaching a final between the 1966 World Cup and Euro 2020. Gareth Southgate’s squad will be eager to secure the title after their heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Italy three years ago.

The hero of the night was Ollie Watkins, whose clinical 91st-minute strike sealed the win for England. Despite being closely marked by Stefan de Vrij, Watkins managed to slot the ball into the bottom corner, showcasing the resilience and determination that has become a hallmark of Southgate’s tenure.

The match started with a shock as Xavi Simons capitalized on a mistake by Declan Rice, driving forward and unleashing a powerful shot that left Jordan Pickford with no chance. England’s equalizer came through a controversial penalty decision.

Harry Kane’s shot collided with Denzel Dumfries, and after a VAR review, the referee awarded the penalty. Kane converted with precision, setting a record with his sixth goal in Euro knockout games.

Phil Foden nearly put England ahead with a dazzling solo effort, only to be denied by Dumfries on the goalline. The Netherlands responded with Virgil van Dijk hitting the bar from a corner. Foden came close again with a curling shot that grazed the post.

In the 2nd half, Jordan Pickford made a crucial save from van Dijk, and Bukayo Saka had a goal ruled out for offside. The match seemed destined for extra time until Watkins, a late substitute for Kane, delivered the decisive blow.

Spain secured their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over France in the first semi-final. Lamine Yamal, arguably the best 16-year-old in the game, scored a sensational goal, propelling La Roja into their first final since their Euro 2012 triumph. Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain has consistently demonstrated their prowess and will be formidable opponents in Berlin.

The final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion is scheduled to kick off at 8pm (BST) on Sunday, 14 July. Football fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating this clash between two of Europe’s footballing giants.

Netherlands player ratings

GK: Bart Verbruggen – 6/10

RB: Denzel Dumfries – 8/10

CB: Stefan de Vrij – 7/10

CB: Virgil van Dijk – 7/10 

LB: Nathan Ake – 8/10 

CM: Jerdy Schouten – 6/10 

CM: Tijjani Reijnders – 5/10 

RM: Donyell Malen – 5/10 

AM: Xavi Simons – 7/10 

LM: Cody Gakpo – 5/10 

ST: Memphis Depay – 5/10 

SUB: Joey Veerman – 7/10

SUB: Wout Weghorst – 6/10

SUB: Joshua Zirkzee – N/A

SUB: Brian Brobbey  – N/A

England player ratings

GK: Jordan Pickford – 7/10 

CB: Kyle Walker – 8/10 

CB: John Stones – 7/10 

CB: Marc Guehi – 8/10 

RM: Bukayo Saka – 7/10

CM: Declan Rice – 7/10 

CM: Kobbie Mainoo – 8/10

LM: Kieran Trippier – 5/10 

AM: Phil Foden – 8/10 

AM: Jude Bellingham – 5/10 –

ST: Harry Kane – 6/10 –

SUB: Luke Shaw  – 6/10

SUB: Ollie Watkins – 8/10

SUB: Cole Palmer  – 8/10

SUB: Ezri Konsa  – N/A

SUB: Conor Gallagher  – N/A

Player of the match: Phil Foden (England)