ENGLAND fans in ecstasy after Ollie Watkins’ late strike sent the Three Lions into the final of Euro 2024.
The Aston Villa striker came up with a wonderful finish in injury time to give England a 2-1 win over the Netherlands.
The late goal sparked delirium in bars and pubs across the country, with celebrations continuing into the night.
It had all started poorly for the Three Lions, though, as they fell behind when Xavi Simons’ sent a rasping strike into the top corner in the opening minutes.
But a much-improved England deservedly hit back soon after as Harry Kane dispatched a penalty.
The England captain was taken out inside the box as he sent a volley towards goal, before converting from the spot after a VAR review.
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And they were inches from taking a first-half lead as Phil Foden’s effort from inside the area was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries.
Foden went close again moments later as his curling effort from 25 yards struck the outside of the post.
England thought they had taken the lead with just 10 minutes to go as Bukayo Saka converted from close range.
But Kyle Walker had strayed offside moments before cutting the ball back to the Arsenal winger.
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However, the moment of glory came from the boot of Watkins, who received the ball inside the box before swivelling and hitting a fierce strike into Bart Verbruggen,s right-hand corner.
Gareth Southgate’s side have now reached a second consecutive final of the Euros after losing on penalties to Italy at Wembley in 2021.
They face Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday.
Follow ALL of the latest updates from Dortmund below…
Instantly iconic
A still of the moment Ollie Watkins sent England into the final.
An unbelievable strike as England and the Netherlands prepared for extra-time.
Ollie Watkins celebrates with family
The man who came up trumps tonight has been spending some time in the stands with his family.
Credit: Getty Credit: Getty Lionesses roaring
The Lionesses, having won the Euros in 2022, were right behind Southgate’s side tonight.
Prime Minister hails England’s victory
No.10 has confirmed Sir Keir Starmer will head to Berlin for the tournament’s final.
“What a game England and what a winner,” the Prime Minister wrote on X, formerly Twitter, as he attended the Nato summit in Washington DC.
“Berlin here we come!” he added.
Sir Keir had earlier managed to watch Harry Kane score England’s equaliser in the match – in a room with his Dutch counterpart.
The Prime Minister got out of his seat as the spot-kick was drilled home, then shook hands with the Netherlands’ Dick Schoof.
He posted on X: “Picked the right moment to pop out from Nato meetings and check the score…”
Keir Starmer watches Harry Kane score a penalty against the Netherlands â SCREEN GRAB TAKEN FROM INSTAGRAM STORIES VIDEO:..https://www.instagram.com/keirstarmer/?hl=enCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk Southgate leads England into another final
He’s had more than his fair share of critics during the tournament.
But Gareth Southgate will lead England into another Euros final on Sunday.
Credit: Getty Credit: Getty Credit: Getty Kane’s equaliser
It had all started so poorly for England as Xavi Simons gave the Dutch the lead early on.
But VAR intervened after Harry Kane was sent to the floor inside the box.
The talisman then stepped up and confidently slammed his penalty into the bottom corner.
England fans in ecstasy at Boxpark Wembley
A stone’s throw from England’s iconic stadium, fans packed out the Boxpark at Wembley for tonight’s game.
And they were rewarded with an injury time winner, sparking these wild scenes below.
Full match report
Read The Sun’s full report from Dortmund on a glorious night for England.
Another view of Watkins’s glorious strike
Watch the scenes inside the stadium as the Aston Villa striker sealed England’s place in the final.
Passion and pride
See what it means to England’s players to be appearing in another major tournament final.
Can they go one step further this time?
A moment to remember for England
Many in disbelief, Ollie Watkins has given fans a moment to cherish forever.
Credit: Getty Credit: Getty Credit: Getty Scenes of joy in Dortmund
On top of the joy back home, thousands of fans have been enjoying themselves inside the stadium.
Credit: EPA Credit: Getty Credit: AP England fans celebrate Watkins’ winner
The Aston Villa striker sparked delirium in pubs and bars across the country with his late strike.
Credit: Rex Credit: PA Credit: PA Wills: ‘What a beauty’
Prince William has taken to X, formerly Twitter, to praise Ollie Watkins.
He wrote: What a beauty, Ollie! Congratulations England! #EURO2024 Finalists.”
King Charles congratulates Southgate’s side
The King has sent a message to Southgate and England squad saying: “My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the UEFA European Championship – and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.
“If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated! Good luck, England. Charles R.”
O2 to host final watch party
Up to 15,000 England fans will be able to watch Sunday’s final at the O2 in London.
England v Spain will be shown on a huge 16m screen, with fans invited to arrive at The O2 from 6pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I am so proud of what this team have achieved in reaching another major final.
“I’m delighted that we can now invite 15,000 England fans to The O2 on Sunday night for what we all hope will be a night of great drama and celebration.”
Ollie Watkins’ wonderful strike
Watch the moment England booked their place in the final.
England are in the final!
The Three Lions have done it!
Ollie Watkins has come up with a terrific strike late on that will go into England folklore.
England will face Spain on Sunday, hoping to win the Euros for the first time in the country’s history.
England take the lead!
Ollie Watkins scores in injury time!
England are seconds away from Sunday’s final thanks to a wonderful finish from the Aston Villa striker.
Credit: Getty England denied by VAR!
Bukayo Saka converts from Kyle Walker’s cutback on the byline and England celebrate.
But the linesman’s flag goes up immediately and the joyous scenes are cut short.
Kyle Walker had drifted offside as he was slipped in by Phil Foden.
Agonising.
EcstacyCredit: Getty To agonyCredit: Reuters
Into the final stages
The scores remain deadlocked as we enter the final 20 minutes.
The Netherlands have come closest in the second half and are starting to see more of the ball now.
England need to find a second wind.
Credit: AP Credit: AFP Pickford keeps the scores level
After a quiet opening to the half, the Dutch come close from a free-kick.
Midway inside England’s half, the ball is curled in from deep and is diverted goalwards, but Pickford is on hand to tip round the post.
The resulting corner comes to nothing, but a warning sign for England.
Credit: EPA Quieter opening to the second period
After an end-to-end, often frantic first half, it’s been a much quieter start to the second.
England are still seeing plenty of the ball, though, and will be hoping to press home their advantage.
Credit: Story Picture Agency Second half underway
One change for both sides as Luke Shaw comes on for Kieran Trippier.
Wout Weghorst, meanwhile, is on for the Dutch.
Luke Shaw has entered the frayCredit: Getty Weghorst has come on for the NetherlandsCredit: Rex
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
