England player ratings as Ollie Watkins and Kobbie Mainoo outstanding vs Netherlands
Ollie Watkins' stunning strike in injury time sent England through to the Euro 2024 final with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands.
The Aston Villa striker made an appearance as a late substitute before firing into the bottom left corner after expertly holding off defender Stefan de Vrij.
Gareth Southgate had earlier one change from the side that defeated Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-final, with Marc Guehi returning from suspension to replace Ezri Konsa.
Crucially, the England boss stuck with the three-defender system from that clash, with Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier as wing-backs.
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That decision paid dividends in the first half, as the Three Lions produced perhaps their finest half of football under Southgate.
Xavi Simons gave the Netherlands a seventh-minute lead with a superb long-distance strike, but Harry Kane levelled from the penalty spot.
The second half was more of a cagey affair, with the Dutch clawing back some control and limiting England to fewer opportunities. Saka, though, did have a goal ruled out after Kyle Walker was adjudged to be offside.
Then came the moment England fans had been waiting for - Ollie Watkins holding off the defender before producing an inch-perfect effort into the bottom left corner.
HAS OLLIE WATKINS WON IT FOR ENGLAND?! 🏴🏴🏴
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 10, 2024
ASTON VILLA'S OLLIE WATKINS IS A SUPERSTAR SHOOTER! 🤩🎯#Euro2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/67Zpbwg6QQ
But how did we rate the players? Take a look below.
Jordan Pickford - 6
Some might argue he could have done more for the goal but it was a stunning strike. Did what he needed to do otherwise. Distribution excellent as always.
Kyle Walker - 7
Great block in the first half when Malen threatened England’s goal. Not been his finest tournament but much more like Manchester City’s Kyle Walker tonight.
John Stones - 6
Comfortable on the ball as always. Did his job well when Netherlands forced England back in the second half.
Marc Guehi - 6
Composed performance by the Crystal Palace man on his return to the side. More defensively-minded than Walker in a back three but that’s no bad thing.
Bukayo Saka - 8
Constant threat on the right and almost played as a winger at times. The width of a Walker arm away from scoring England’s second after it was ruled out for offside.
Declan Rice - 6
Dispossessed too easily for the goal. Otherwise mostly safe in possession and looked to break forward when the opportunity presented itself.
Kobbie Mainoo - 9 (POTM)
One of Southgate’s biggest calls was bringing this man into the side. Ultra positive in the first half, drove forward with the ball, created chances. Did his job defensively in the second.
Kieran Trippier - 6
Left foot weakness again held him back in the key moments. A steady performance but substituted for Shaw at half-time, who will doubtless start when fully fit.
Jude Bellingham - 6
Not quite as involved as Foden and Mainoo in the first half but played his role in pushing the Dutch defence back. Quieter after half-time.
Phil Foden - 8
Stunningly quick feet to create his own chance in the first half that was cleared off the line. Kept looking for the space and usually found it, in a central role that he is much more used to. Quieter in the second half as Netherlands began to exert control.
Harry Kane - 6
Won the penalty and converted it - you never expected him to miss from 12 yards. Movement better than we’ve seen this tournament but substituted with 10 minutes to play.
Luke Shaw - 7
Great to see the Manchester United man back fit again. Not many opportunities to create, but he produced a stunning cross to find Watkins late on.
Cole Palmer - 7
Replaced Foden late on and added extra energy. Fired a shot over the bar from the edge of the box. Then the all-important pass to Watkins showed exactly why he is trusted to deliver in these big moments. And boy does he deliver.
Ollie Watkins - 9
Looked to stretch the Dutch backline and get in behind on occasion. Then the goal - a nine rating for a number nine's finish if ever you saw one. Instant immortality.
Ezri Konsa and Conor Gallagher - N/A
Both substituted on in the 93rd minute as England saw out the game.
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Netherlands, Football
Ryan Smart