England's best and worst players in their dramatic semi-final win over the Netherlands

It was an ending that Aston Villa fans have grown accustomed to, and one that every England fan will not soon forget.

After dominating the first 45 minutes, England were puffed and puffed in the second half of their Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands – extra time seemed inevitable. Ronald Koeman's early changes finally provided stability, and the Three Lions may have settled for a more comfortable defeat if the Dutch had taken control of the second half.

But, when Gareth Southgate rolled his dice before the final act of the game, England's momentum was restored and it was his two substitutes who combined for the defining moment.

Ollie Watkins, you hero. England are on a back-to-back European Championship run, and here are the best and worst players from Wednesday's semi-final win at Signal Iduna Park.

Phil Foden – 8/10

Foden hasn't provided any glimmers in this competition, but the Manchester City star produced a performance worthy of his 2023/24 highlight reel.

Appearing to let loose on the inside right, Foden was determined to touch the process as often as possible. He used the opportunity to play the Dutch midfielder who could not handle his size when he turned.

Foden linked up well with the equally brilliant Kobbie Mainoo and worked in many of his favorite areas amid a fine first-half performance. The City star tested Bart Verbruggen from distance, kissed the post with a Lamine Yamal-like effort, and was denied by Denzel Dumfires following a few feet to create the chance.

Foden was on the edge for Germany, and although he held back somewhat as the game progressed (before he was involved in Bukayo Saka's disallowed goal), this was there. his the game.

Honorable mention

Ollie Watkins – 8/10

Watkins was on the pitch for less than ten minutes or so, but it was his moment, his goal that sent England into Sunday's final.

The Dutch backline was untested in the second half, stepping up, and Stefan de Vrij was happy to play the inactive Harry Kane.

With his first run in behind, Watkins found himself alone with the Inter defender after being fed by Palmer. The Villa striker has been happy in such positions for years at Villa Park, and now he has produced for his country at the biggest stage. His smash through the legs of De Vrij and Bart Vebruggen into the bottom corner was as direct as you could get.

Kieran Trippier – 5/10

Trippier has been a serviceable option down the left, and continues in the starting XI here.

However, this was another occasion when the Newcastle United man simply looked like a square peg trying to fit a round hole.

England played well in the first half overall, but the missing link was a reliable outlet down the left. Trippier didn't have a disaster and pressure on Denzel Dumfries, but he was sometimes slow to provide wide support and his crosses rarely found their mark.

Luke Shaw's half-time introduction suggests the Manchester United defender could start the tournament in Berlin.

Jude Bellingham – 5/10

Bellingham has come of age for England in this tournament – none bigger than his last 16 equalizer, but performances have been few and far between since then.

On Wednesday night, he watched as Foden stole the show. There was some success between the lines, but his collective play was nowhere near as smooth as his teammates. As the game progressed, he was used as a running back, but was unsuccessful at it.

Bellingham provided a few good sequences to end possession and knocked the socks off the ball, but it was a quiet outing overall by his standards.

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