Player ratings as the Three Lions reach the final
Well, that was all special, wasn't it? England have had to work hard in this tournament, they have had to go deep, face questions, face a lot of criticism in a strange way at times.
Was it all worth it? It's hard to argue with that question. Yet, here we are, here we stand as a proud nation on the brink of something remarkable.
For the first time in English football history, they have reached the final of a major international competition. They will face Spain on Sunday, hoping to become champions of Euro 2024. They will have to do it against the best team in the competition.
However, it is rare that the best team wins in tournament football. It goes without saying that draw games are all about timing. Special occasions. Oh the special times. We lived and breathed them in the last few games.
Truth be told, Gareth Southgate's men should go home. However, they have Jude Bellingham's overhead kick against Slovakia to thank. They have Saturday's penalty kick heroes to thank and now they have Ollie Watkins to thank too.
The Aston Villa star had only played 20 minutes at this summer's Euros against Denmark in the group stage but came up with a stunning moment of individual brilliance in the 91st minute. Opening the dime, he swung and hit the ball past Bart Verbruggen, to the delight of the England players.
However, there is one last job to do against Spain's Luis de la Fuente this weekend. Can they? The nation will have a united hope.
Before that, let's try to do each player justice after Wednesday night's efforts. Here are our player ratings.
1
Jordan Pickford – 6
The Everton goalkeeper was one of the heroes last weekend, saving Manuel Akanji's penalty against the Swiss. Nothing much should have been done in this event and he was beaten by Xavi Simons rapping in the first half.
2
Kyle Walker – 6
He is better from full-back tonight after a few consistent performances in the competition. He made a well-timed play on Cody Gakpo to stop a run from behind in the second half.
3
John Stones – 6
Another top performance from England's most consistent players in the tournament. I didn't have much to do but stuck with Wout Weghorst and Co late in the game.
4
Marc Guehi – 7
It's also very good for someone who may go down as England's best player.
5
Kieran Trippier – 5
The same problems as we have had in every competition on the left side. Not getting up enough and therefore hindering England's attack. He did well defensively.
6
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
It's bright. Southgate deserves credit for picking him in the end and the Manchester United youngster has returned him very well. He finished the game completing 86% of his passes and won 100% of his tackles.
7
Declan Rice – 5
He was denied a goal and made a number of dropped passes. Not Arsenal's best game for his country.
8
Jude Bellingham – 6
I struggled and truth be told he was probably lucky not to get caught when Cole Palmer came on. However, he knows he is capable of creating golden moments and helped England rise in the second half.
9
Watch Saka – 7
He didn't stand out like he did against Switzerland but he is still England's most promising forward. He always drove Nathan Ake and it was unfortunate that the goal was ruled out for offside in the second half.
10
Phil Foden – 7
Much better from Foden on Wednesday. The system change helped him a lot to occupy more pockets of space in the center of the field. He almost hit a beautiful lady in the distance that hit the post.
11
Harry Kane – 6
He scored a penalty in the first half but more than that, it was another tired game for the England captain. It came in the second half, the change that ended up winning the game.
12
Your substitute
Ollie Watkins – 8
Man of the Match. It only took nine minutes on the pitch for England to progress to the final after a brilliant performance. It is a goal that will go down through human history.
Cole Palmer – 7
He also changed the game with his ability to get on the ball and pick out passes. He grabbed the winner's assist with a tricky ball behind the Dutch defence.
Luke Shaw – 6
It is given more output on the bottom left than Trippier. He should start the final, as long as he is fit enough.
Conor Gallagher and Ezri Konsa – N/A
He came too late as Southgate looked to protect a late lead.
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All England penalties in major competitions
After England's victory over Switzerland, revive all the Three Lions' penalties in major tournaments.
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