2 weeks Ago By Olly Dawes
England are through to the final of Euro 2024 after breaking Dutch hearts in Dortmund on Wednesday evening. Gareth Southgate’s side faced The Netherlands in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after a less-than-convincing route to the final four. A fairly boring group stage campaign was followed by near-elimination against Slovakia before Jude Bellingham’s injury-time bicycle kick.
England needed penalties to get past Switzerland in the quarter-finals but turned in their best performance of the tournament against the Netherlands. Xavi Simons smashed home a superb opener but England hit back through a contentious Harry Kane penalty. With the game seemingly drifting towards extra time, Ollie Watkins rattled home the winner with just minutes to play.
England fans, players and staff were sent into pure euphoria and all can now look ahead to Sunday’s final against Spain. Jerdy Schouten backed for Arsenal or Liverpool Ronald Koeman’s men may feel a little aggrieved. England’s penalty has divided opinion and the Netherlands certainly improved after half time.
Koeman’s changes – bringing on Joey Veerman and Wout Weghorst – helped the Netherlands gain more control without really looking any more threatening. The Dutch midfield struggled in the first half with Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo running riot. PSV Eindhoven’s Jerdy Schouten at least showed some composure on the ball and kept the play ticking over in midfield, especially in the second half.
The former Bologna man was.
