Oranje Juiced by Watkins' Wizardry

EURO 2024 SEMI-FINAL - ENGLAND 2:1 NETHERLANDS

England have made it over their last hurdle and will face Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 final.

Unlike the fiery Colombia v Uruguay Copa America semi final later on, the second Euros semi-final was far from a classic, despite spectacular goals from both teams, as the second half descended into contained shadow-boxing heading for a mutually convenient extra-time.

England Supersub Ollie Watkins

But thankfully we were spared more tedium when Ollie Watkins spun and fired the winner into the far corner, a finish worthy of Dutch master Marco Van Basten, whose hat-trick knocked England out of Euro '88 in Dusseldorf.

England had already got revenge for that depressing day when they mauled the Dutch 4-1 at Wembley in Euro '96, with Gareth Southgate at centre back, but memories last night were rather of the Netherlands' 2-0 win over England in Rotterdam in 1993, due to Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman's protagonism that night.

Southgate marking Dennis Bergkamp at Euro '96

While the Dutch went on to reach the last eight of USA '94, there was a lingering sense of English injustice because the Rotterdam qualifier hinged on Koeman being only booked for a clear red card offence, before scoring a free kick at the other end.

Which brings us to the penalty last night which let England gain parity. Correct to the letter of the law, it made no sense in the spirit of the game and felt really harsh on the Dutch, but Graham Taylor gave a wry smile from football heaven. Even in the age of hi-tech VAR, you can still be robbed of a goal.

Bart Verbruggen must have studied Harry Kane's technique as he dived quickly the right way but the England skipper's spot kick was textbook.

England still have an inferiority complex at football when it comes to the Netherlands. Despite having won one World Cup to Holland's none, nobody eulogises the Three Lions like they do the Brilliant Orange of the 1970s, total football and Johann Cruyff's lasting influence on Pep Guardiola and others.

For the first 45 minutes last night, England dominated the Dutch in possession and tactics. Phil Foden was a roaming danger for the first time in the tournament, looking more like his Manchester City self, hit the woodwork and had a shot cleared off the line.

Mindful of England's midfield dominance, Holland narrowed their shape in the second half and stemmed the tide, but were left playing reactive football, unwilling to take their game to England.

With Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka and Foden all firing, England's aces were played from the bench, as both 80th minute substitutes combined to grab the winner.

The Dutch stars shone all too briefly by comparison. Memphis Depay went off injured after 35 minutes, Xavi Simons did little beyond his wonder strike and Cody Gakpo was nowhere near as influential out wide as he had been against Turkey in the quarter final or in the group stages.

The Netherlands took the greatest travelling support to a finals once more and on the field had certainly improved since their Round of 16 exit at Euro 2020. Now they can plan an assault on the 2026 World Cup.

England now turn their attention to beating the new tournament favourites in the final.

The Three Lions have stumbled to Berlin from the easier side of the draw having drawn with Denmark, Slovenia and Switzerland, been seconds from elimination against Slovakia, been heavily criticised by fans and media alike and scored six fewer goals than Spain.

La Roja are worthy favourites. Yet Gareth Southgate's men have come from behind to win in three knockout matches and refuse to be beaten.

England's coach may still be conservative and afraid to unleash his panoply of attacking talents, but the Three Lions remain unvanquished in Germany.