England is through to the Euros final after a stunning late goal from Ollie Watkins broke a 1-1 deadlock against the Netherlands.
An equalising goal by Harry Kane early in the first half caused controversy.
The Three Lions conceded in the seventh minute as the Netherlands scored via Xavi Simons, who turned the ball over 20 metres out before disposing of Declan Rice to find the top left corner.
READ MORE: Disgraced NRL bad boy’s declaration after boxing win
READ MORE: Hornby whacks ‘disrespectful’ Bennett claims
READ MORE: Clijsters’ last hope for ‘triggered’ Barty comeback
Minutes later, England were awarded a “debatable” penalty following a ‘reckless tackle’ by Denzel Dumfries, who was pinged for his studs making contact with Kane.
“For me that’s not a penalty,” Michael Bridges said in commentary on Optus sport.
“It’s actually Kane’s follow through that forces the impact.”
“Subjective, isn’t it,” England great Don Goodman added.
Kane milks penalty kick. optus sport
Former England star Gary Neville was dumfounded.
“As a defender, I think it’s an absolutely disgraceful decision,” Neville said on ITV.
“There’s no way that was a penalty. He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It’s not a penalty for me. You have to take your luck though.”
Kane converted his 66th goal for the national team, making him the all-time top goal scorer in Euros history and passing Wayne Rooney as England’s most prolific goal scorer.
“Harry Kane delivers for England, again,” Goodman declared.
“It was a debatable penalty but no goalkeeper was ever going to save that.
Harry Kane shoots a penalty. Getty
When asked after the match, Kane revealed he was unsure if the VAR would go in favour of England.
“I don’t know. His foot was hanging on, he definitely got me,” Kane said.
“Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t. I was happy to step up and see that one go in the back of the net. It was a nice feeling.”
Phil Foden made two shots on target with Dumfries saving the ball on top of the goal line, before Bukayo Saka was met by the offside flag after finding the net in the 79th minute.
On the stroke of extra time, Ollie Watkins sealed the deal for the Englishmen.
Watkins, who was substituted on late in the game, received a beautiful ball from Cole Palmer before unleashing a hammer strike across goal.
Chants of “it’s coming home” echoed across the stadium as the team celebrated in front of home fans.
“What a finish. What a strike What a player,” Goodman said.
“For the first time ever, England will play a major tournament final on foreign soil.”
Ollie Watkins celebrates victory with Harry Kane. Getty
Gareth Southgate’s men will face Spain on Monday (AEST), a challenge Kane believes will be “unbelievably tough.”
“It’s going to be a really tough game. We know that but we’ve got to the final,” he said.
“It’s one more game to make history.
“It’s been a tough journey. But it’s one more.
“90 minutes, 120 minutes. Whatever it takes, we will be there.”
Source link
