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Watkins’ strike sends England to Euro 2024 final

Watkins celebrating his goal (AP)

A late goal from the foot of super-sub Ollie Watkins was what the Three Lions of England needed to guarantee themselves the clash against Spain in the final of the Euro 2024 as they defeated Netherlands 2-1.

Watkins and Cole Palmer came in as substitute for Harry Kane and Phil Foden respectively in the 81st and the duo had immediate impact on the game.

Watkins scored England’s second goal one minute into added time and was assisted by Palmer.

Palmer displayed great vision and sent a pass to Watkins, who showed brilliance inside the box to bury the ball into the botom left corner far from the reach of the goal keeper.

Earlier, Netherlands had opened the scoring seven minutes into the match. Xavi Simons produced a moment of pure magic and scored a spectacular goal by striking the ball into the top left corner of the net.

England equalised 18 minutes into the game from the penalty spot after Harry Kane went down in the box after a challenge. The referee pointed to the penalty spot after VAR’s review.

In the 23rd minute, Foden shot from inside the box after his amazing individual effort. He beat the goalkeeper, but hit one of the defending players and it bounced away.

Seven minutes later, Denzel Dumfries latched on to the corner kick inside the box, but his header crashed against the crossbar.

In the 32nd minute, Foden expertly controlled a neat clever pass on the edge of the penalty area, but his effort rattled the left post.

In the 65th minute, Virgil van Dijk connected with the ball in the six-yard box after the resulting free kick and shot towards the right side of the goal, but Jordan Pickford made a magnificent save.

In the 79th minute, Bukayo Saka scored a brilliant goal but the referee ruled it out for offside.

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