Dortmund, Germany, 11 July 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Ollie Watkins scored a late goal for England to claim a 2-1 comeback win against the Netherlands on Wednesday and set up a clash with Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Xavi Simons broke the deadlock for the Netherlands in the seventh minute, but captain Harry Kane from the spot equalized in the 18th.

When the game in Dortmund looked set to go to extra time, substitute Watkins produced a sweet finish to become England's hero in stoppage time and fire his side into an European Championship final for a second consecutive edition.

"Unbelievable. I've been waiting for that moment for weeks. It's taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am today. I got the opportunity and took it with both hands," Player of the Match Watkins told ITV Sports.

England were defeated by Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final and had so far struggled to show good football at the tournament in Germany.

They were seconds from going out against Slovakia in the last 16, needed penalties to overcome Switzerland in the quarter-finals and fell behind against the Netherlands, but managed to book a ticket to Berlin.

"History made. Amazing achievement. I'm so proud of everyone. Every player, every member of staff, I'm so proud of them," Kane said.

As England chase their first-ever European title, they will have a huge challenge on Sunday against Spain, top favourites to take the trophy home and widely considered the best team at Euro 2024.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, go home empty-handed after reaching their first Euros semi-finals in 20 years.

"That we conceded this goal so late in the game and are now empty-handed hurts a lot. You put everything into it, everyone gives everything and when the goal falls like that in the last minute, that just sucks," Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk said.

England level from controversial penalty

The Netherlands found the breakthrough early as Simons won the ball of Declan Rice in the final third, carried it to the edge of the box and smashed a shot into the net.

But it was England who got better after that goal, with the Dutch defence clearing a dangerous free-kick in the 11th and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen diving to deny Kane in the 13th.

The equalizer came just five minutes later with Kane scoring his third Euro 2024 goal from the spot.

Bukayo Saka had a shot blocked and Kane smashed the ball over the bar on the rebound. But he was challenged by Denzel Dumfries while doing so and the referee awarded England a controversial penalty after VAR check.

England thought they had a second after Phil Foden wiggled free inside the box before shooting, but Dumfries cleared the ball away from the line in the 23rd.

Netherlands got a breather and Dumfries smashed a header onto the crossbar in the 30th, while Foden from distance also hit the post just two minutes later.

After the break, Jordan Pickford had a fine reaction to deny Van Dijk from close range in the 65th. The Netherlands had the better momentum in the second half, but goal chances were still scarce.

England, meanwhile, were on target in the 79th, but Bukayo Saka's effort was ruled out for offside.

Southgate awarded for audacious move

England coach Gareth Southgate had a bold move in the 81st minute, bringing in Watkins and Cole Palmer to replace top stars Kane and Foden.

But the decision paid off when Palmer served Watkins, who was closely followed by Stefan De Vrij in the box. The Aston Villa forward, however, had a clever touch, which allowed him to spin and drill a decisive into the far corner.

"I said to him (Palmer): 'We're going to come on and you're going to set me up.' I knew, as soon as he got the ball, he was going to play me in. When it went in the bottom corner, it was the best feeling ever," Watkins said.

Photo: UEFA Euro 2024