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Post by Football News on Jul 10, 2024 21:29:09 GMT
Jordan Pickford’s England are through to the final of the European Championships – after coming from behind to beat the Netherlands on Wednesday evening.
Ollie Watkins’ 90th minute winner sealed the 2-1 victory in Dortmund for the Three Lions, after first-half goals from Xavi Simons and Harry Kane left the game level for the majority of the encounter.
The result sees England reach a second-successive European Championships final, and they’ll face Spain on Sunday at 8pm (BST).
In the previous round, Everton goalkeeper Pickford made a crucial save in the penalty shoot-out during the quarter-finals, helping the Three Lions to reach the last four.
For the semi-final clash, the Blues shot-stopper was named in the England 11 for a sixth-consecutive start at the tournament.
After a fast-paced beginning to the game, the Netherlands took the lead just seven minutes in, when Dutch midfielder Simons rifled into the top corner from the edge of the 18-yard-box.
England fought back and eventually found an equaliser through captain Kane, who converted from a spot-kick – after the Three Lions striker was fouled by Denzel Dumfries in the penalty area.
Gareth Southgate’s side continued to improve and were the dominant team in a first half which saw them register seven shots – including one cleared off the line – to their opponents’ three.
A quieter second period followed, before Pickford sprang into action to make a brilliant save from a Dutch set piece on 65 minutes, leaping to his left to keep the game at 1-1.
The fixture was heading for extra-time, but substitute Watkins popped up with the vital goal, turning his marker, before firing into the far corner.
A solid outing saw Everton’s Pickford finish the game having made two saves, while completing 19 of his 22 passes.
He and England head into Sunday’s final, hoping to win a major tournament for the first time since 1966.
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