England have booked their place in the European Championship final for the second time in a row, securing a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Dortmund. The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when Ollie Watkins scored a stunning goal, sealing England’s comeback from a goal down for the third consecutive knockout game.
Gareth Southgate and his squad have experienced a tumultuous journey to the final. Criticism loomed large after a shaky start to the tournament, with England managing only one win and two draws in the group stage. The pressure on Southgate was intense, but he has successfully steered his team to another major final, reminiscent of their narrow defeat to Italy in the last European Championship.
As England gears up to face Spain, the team and their supporters can revel in their hard-earned success. The focus now shifts to maintaining their momentum and showcasing the resilience they have demonstrated throughout the tournament.
In a touching moment after the match, Trent Alexander-Arnold was seen comforting his Liverpool teammate Cody Gakpo, who was devastated by the Netherlands’ loss. This gesture of sportsmanship underscores the camaraderie and respect shared among players, even in the face of fierce competition.