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Virgil van Dijk (Source: X)
England advanced to their second consecutive European Championship final, defeating the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday due to substitute Ollie Watkins' stoppage-time winner. Watkins, who replaced captain Harry Kane in a brave move by coach Gareth Southgate, twisted and fired a powerful effort into the bottom corner in the opening minute of additional time.
Ollie Watkins had only made one prior appearance at Euro 2024, as a substitute against Denmark in the group stage, so Southgate's decision to bring him on in England's greatest encounter thus far was surprising.
In an open first half, Harry Kane's 18th-minute penalty cancelled out Xavi Simons' spectacular seventh-minute goal for the Dutch. Kane has had several memorable moments at international tournaments, including one when he converted a penalty when Denzel Dumfries' outstretched leg made contact with Kane's foot as the England striker sought to shoot.
Kane became the sixth player to score three goals in the competition. An open first half, which saw Dumfries and England's Phil Foden score, was followed by a tight and tense second half with few opportunities.
Referee Felix Zwayer granted England a goal kick instead of a corner at the other end of the ground after a free kick, with John Stones appearing to leave, and Dutch supporters flocked to social media to criticize the decision.
Virgil van Dijk complained about the referee
The Dutch were dissatisfied with the dubious penalty and his reluctance to give a corner after a ball came off John Stones last. Following the final whistle, a disappointed Netherlands captain Van Dijk complained about the referee, saying: "The referee ran back inside straight after the FT whistle, that says a lot."
Replays indicated that the free kick, whipped in by Joey Veerman, came off Stones, but the referee appeared to believe it was headed wide by Van Dijk. The Liverpool defender was cautioned for his objections, and just seconds later, England attacked, with Watkins firing into the bottom corner past Bart Verbruggen.
In the final on Sunday in Berlin, England will take on Lamine Yamal and Spain. After losing to Italy in the Euro 2020 final and winning the World Cup in 1966, both championship games will take place outside of the country at Wembley Stadium.