Should we reconsider Gareth Southgate’s substitution strategy? As tension mounted at the BVB Stadion and extra time loomed, it was England who found an unexpected burst of energy.
Two recent substitutes combined to secure England’s first final on foreign soil.
Fresh off the bench, Ollie Watkins received a pass from Cole Palmer, spun away from Stefan de Vrij, and launched a stunning shot into the Netherlands’ net. England, trailing after Xavi Simons’ spectacular early goal, had equalized through Harry Kane’s penalty but seemed to tire in the second half.
When Southgate replaced Kane with Watkins, few anticipated the dramatic impact the striker would have.
Despite sweltering temperatures and a torrential downpour just before kick-off, the sense of occasion was undiminished.
The famous Yellow Wall turned a brilliant orange, and the Dutch launched a blistering attack in the opening period.
England’s defensive weaknesses were apparent from the start. Seven minutes in, a headed clearance from Marc Guéhi fell to Declan Rice, who lost possession to Simons.
The midfielder advanced and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from outside the area, stunning Jordan Pickford despite his attempt to save it.
England trailed for the third consecutive game. Kieran Trippier, from the left, urged calm. In their 3-4-2-1 formation, England remained optimistic.
Jude Bellingham was dynamic, Bukayo Saka lively on the right, and Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo ready to create opportunities.
Kane, eager to prove himself, showed more energy and movement. He nearly found a way back for England with a powerful shot from 25 yards.
Saka also threatened, evading Nathan Aké, whose struggles led to a Dutch defensive panic.
Kane was fouled by Denzel Dumfries, resulting in a penalty confirmed by VAR. Kane, unfazed by his previous miss against France, confidently scored the equalizer.
England pressed forward, with Trippier and Kyle Walker supporting the attack. Foden, constantly finding space, had a splendid game, nearly scoring with a left-footed shot from distance and being denied by a goal-line clearance from Dumfries.
Dumfries had an eventful half, including a header against the bar from a corner.
The Dutch defense was under pressure, and Mainoo impressed with his midfield play.
Ronald Koeman responded by replacing the injured Memphis Depay with Joey Veerman to strengthen the Dutch midfield.
Southgate, often criticized for his in-game management, adjusted by bringing on Luke Shaw for Trippier to balance the left side.
However, the second half saw less urgency from England, struggling to penetrate the compact Dutch defense.
Long spells of sideways passing ensued, with Saka finding less space and Bellingham and Foden probing without success.
As England’s momentum waned, Southgate introduced Palmer and Watkins for the tiring Kane and Foden.
The Dutch continued to press, with Guéhi making a crucial challenge to deny Wout Weghorst.
Cody Gakpo posed a threat on the left, troubling Walker with his dribbling.
In a rare England attack, Shaw’s cross found Palmer, who missed a golden opportunity.
Undeterred, Palmer provided a precise pass to Watkins in the 90th minute. Watkins’ turn and shot secured England’s place in the final against Spain.
They may not be favorites, but their resilience is undeniable.
Following Bellingham’s overhead kick against Slovakia and the penalty shootout victory over Switzerland, this was another testament to their defiance.
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