England’s Struggle for Form
England, like many so-called bigger nations, has struggled to find form at Euro 2024. Despite a vast array of talented attacking players—some among the best in the world—for many England fans, watching Gareth Southgate’s side has frequently been tough viewing. The team only finished top of a weak group by the skin of its teeth and has been described as negative and defensive. The passing has been telegraphed, and the movement plodding.
Individual Brilliance Bails England Out
England reached the semifinal thanks to moments of individual brilliance. Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka bailed the Three Lions out in their two previous knockout games. The Netherlands has similarly struggled in Germany, only reaching the knockout stages as one of the four best third-placed teams and needed to come from behind to beat Turkey in the quarterfinals.
A Riveting Semifinal in Dortmund
Immediately, this semifinal in Dortmund was more riveting than any game either team had played at Euro 2024. After only seven minutes, Simons—named after Barcelona great Xavi Hernández—dispossessed Declan Rice in midfield and stormed towards the England penalty area before unleashing an unstoppable shot past Jordan Pickford and into the top corner. England had no choice but to attack and found the equalizer just ten minutes later.
England’s Dominant First Half
After Kane’s acrobatic effort flew over the crossbar, replays showed Denzel Dumfries’ studs caught Kane on the top of his foot, and after an intervention from VAR, referee Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot. Kane confidently drilled his penalty low into the bottom corner. Dumfries then saved the Netherlands from going behind as he denied Phil Foden’s effort on the line before thumping a header off the crossbar at the other end. Foden, having his best game of the tournament, then hit the woodwork himself.
Second Half Tightens Up
England was no doubt the dominant team in a riveting first half, which raised the question: where has this kind of performance been all tournament? Passes were being drilled into feet with purpose, runs were incisive, and players were looking to shoot at every opportunity. However, Ronald Koeman tightened up his midfield at the start of the second period, limiting the space England had enjoyed in the first half. England passes were once again mostly backward and sideways in front of a comfortable Netherlands defense.
Fortunately for England, the Netherlands was also not posing much of a threat. Neither goalkeeper had much to do until Watkins broke Dutch hearts. The Aston Villa striker received the pass from Palmer with his back to goal and Stefan de Vrij in close attendance but created just enough space to drill a brilliant effort across goal and into the bottom corner.
England has known little more than disappointment and heartbreak since winning the World Cup in 1966, Southgate more than most. Now the team has another chance to end 58 years of hurt.
