Adrian DurhamSean O’BrienPublished: 23:03, 10 Jul 2024Updated: 23:40, 10 Jul 2024
Ollie Watkins became a national hero as his last-gasp winner against the Netherlands sent England to the Euro 2024 final.
The super-sub sparked bedlam across the country with a sublime finish in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 victory over the Dutch.
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Watkins wrote his name in history with one kick of the ballCredit: Getty
England found themselves behind inside seven minutes when Xavi Simons picked Declan Rice’s pocket and rifled one past Jordan Pickford from distance.
But Gareth Southgate’s men were level 11 minutes later when Harry Kane won and converted a controversial penalty.
Denzel Dumfries was adjudged to have fouled Kane after a VAR review – and the England captain fired past Bart Verbruggen’s fingertips into the side-netting.
The Three Lions were outstanding in the first-half, particularly Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo, then stuttered after the break as Ronald Koeman’s men regained authority.
But two substitutes – Watkins and Cole Palmer – combined in the 90th minute to put England on the brink of history.
They face Spain in Berlin on Sunday for the chance to end 58 years of hurt.
talkSPORT’s veteran host Adrian Durham gives his marks out of ten for England’s heroes from Dortmund…
‘He won it’
Watkins only had four touches of the ball in nine minutes on the pitch – but it was the most significant football contribution of his life.
The Aston Villa star was presented with an xG of 0.06 in the 90th minute, meaning there was statistically a 6/100 chance of scoring, and he put it in the side-netting.
Durham gave Watkins his first 10/10 of the tournament and simply said: “Nine minutes on the pitch and he won it with a brilliant touch and finish.”
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Watkins made a career-defining impact in nine minutes
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These scenes will live long in the memoryCredit: Getty
‘Stunning for a 19-year-old’
Mainoo delivered a performance above his years, dictating a major tournament semi-final on just his third senior start for his country.
After being withdrawn from the quarter-final, the Manchester United midfielder was trusted to guide England through a difficult second-half, having dominated the Dutch midfield for the first 45 minutes.
Durham gave him a 9/10 and added: “Absolutely stunning for a 19 year old.”
‘He got it right’
Southgate has been criticised for being reactive and not proactive, sitting back and waiting for things to go wrong. But not tonight.
England’s style was dramatically improved and, despite drifting into old habits in the second-half, the Three Lions manager made two substitutions which ultimately sent the nation to a major final.
He took off Foden, who was also given a 9/10 by Durham, and captain Kane.
For that, Southgate was awarded a 9/10 by Durham, along with the following verdict: “Sometimes you have to respect the opposition who stifled us second half.
“But he got the subs right and we won. And it’s two finals in 3 tournaments. These are golden times under Southgate.”
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Southgate showed true bravery to bring on Watkins and PalmerCredit: Getty
Adrian Durham’s England player ratings
Jordan Pickford – 8
Kyle Walker – 7
John Stones – 7
Marc Guehi – 7
Bukayo Saka – 7
Kobbie Mainoo – 9
Declan Rice – 7
Kieran Trippier – 6
Phil Foden – 9
Jude Bellingham – 7
Harry Kane – 8
Subs
Luke Shaw – 7
Cole Palmer – 8
Ollie Watkins – 10
Conor Gallagher – N/A
Ezri Konsa – N/A
talkSPORT will bring you live commentary of the Euro 2024 final on Sunday as England bid to make history against Spain. Tune in via the website or the app, and follow our live Euro 2024 blog for all the build-up.
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