.png?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
England have booked a place in the final of Euro 2024 with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in an enthralling semi-final meeting in Dortmund on Wednesday night.
Gareth Southgate's men were shocked early on by the orange army as Xavi Simons pounced on a mistake by Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice to fire home a sublime shot from distance. The Gunners man wasn't helped by an England defence who backed off the Netherlands man.
The Three Lions weren't losing for long as Harry Kane won a controversial penalty with the VAR gods looking kindly over England. The former Tottenham Hotspur man slotted home confidently past Mark Verbruggen.
Both nations looked cagey after the break with the fixture calling out for a moment of brilliance. That came courtesy of Chelsea midfilder Cole Palmer putting through Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins, whose classy finish claimed the win with seconds left to play. Here’s how LondonWorld rated the England players.
5. Kieran Trippier - 8
Caught out early on but found his feet quickly. A pretty huge shift put in on the left flank in his 45 minutes, offering plenty going forwards and delivering some decent set plays. His best yet this tournament, the Newcastle United man can hold his head high. | Getty Images
6. Bukayo Saka - 8
A danger again in that wing back role tonight. Unlucky not to get his own goal in the second half when offside intervened. | AFP via Getty Images
7. Declan Rice - 5
His slip led to the Netherlands' opener, but he wasn't done any favours by his defensive colleagues. Some nice work in between the occasional sloppy moment. | AFP via Getty Images
8. Kobbie Mainoo - 8
Another fantastic performance from the Manchester United rising star. Seems to do the right thing nine times out of 10 and is equally impressive when leading attacking moves as making defensive interventions. A star of the future. | AFP via Getty Images