England fans in dreamland as sensational Three Lions book place in historic Euros final after Watkins & Kane blinders
ENGLAND fans in ecstasy after Ollie Watkins' late strike sent the Three Lions into the final of Euro 2024.
The Aston Villa striker came up with a wonderful finish in injury time to give England a 2-1 win over the Netherlands.
The late goal sparked delirium in bars and pubs across the country, with celebrations continuing into the night.
It had all started poorly for the Three Lions, though, as they fell behind when Xavi Simons' sent a rasping strike into the top corner in the opening minutes.
But a much-improved England deservedly hit back soon after as Harry Kane dispatched a penalty.
The England captain was taken out inside the box as he sent a volley towards goal, before converting from the spot after a VAR review.
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And they were inches from taking a first-half lead as Phil Foden's effort from inside the area was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries.
Foden went close again moments later as his curling effort from 25 yards struck the outside of the post.
England thought they had taken the lead with just 10 minutes to go as Bukayo Saka converted from close range.
But Kyle Walker had strayed offside moments before cutting the ball back to the Arsenal winger.
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However, the moment of glory came from the boot of Watkins, who received the ball inside the box before swivelling and hitting a fierce strike into Bart Verbruggen,s right-hand corner.
Gareth Southgate's side have now reached a second consecutive final of the Euros after losing on penalties to Italy at Wembley in 2021.
They face Spain at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday.
Follow ALL of the latest updates from Dortmund below…
Netherlands confirm starting XI
England's opponents tonight feature a number of recognisable names, including the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Nathan Ake.
Memphis Depay will once again lead the line, too.
One change for England
Gareth Southgate welcomes Marc Guehi straight back into his side to once again partner John Stones after missing out against Switzerland through suspension.
Kieran Tripper keeps his place, despite Luke Shaw's late return on Saturday.
Holland players inspect the pitch
England's opponents have also arrived at the stadium in Dortmund.
The normal Yellow Wall, made famous by Borussia Dortmund, will be replaced by fans in orange tonight.
Cody Gakpo and teammates out on the pitchCredit: AP 
Ex-Man United and Burnley striker Wout Weghorst ahead of kick-offCredit: Getty 
Coach Nigel de Jong and manager Ronald Koeman in good spirits on the pitchCredit: Getty
The Three Lions have arrived
England's players looked in a relaxed mood as they arrived at the BVB Stadion in Dortmund a little earlier.
Penalty hero Trent Alexander-Arnold could be seen joking with RO16 hero Jude Bellingham.
Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka appeared to be soaking in the occasion.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham on the pitch before the matchCredit: Reuters 
Declan Rice and teammates inspect the pitchCredit: Getty Pubs staying open late
Pubs in England are allowed to stay open until 1am as England fans head out to watch tonight’s semi-final.
Before last week's election, then Home Secretary James Cleverly said licensing hours would be relaxed if England reached the semis.
The Licensing Act 2003, gives the Home Secretary the power to relax licensing hours on occasions of "exceptional national significance".
Speaking at the time, he said: "This boost to the hospitality sector will allow friends, families and communities to come together for longer to watch their nation hopefully bring it home."
Fans pack the pubs back home
Southgate's side will be cheered on by thousands of England fans in Dortmund tonight.
But supporters will also be packing pubs and bars across the country back home tonight.
England fans out early in Newcastle this afternoon. L-R: Dan Shaw, Cameron Church and Ethan ParkinsonCredit: NNP 
England fans hitting the pub in LeedsCredit: NB PRESS LTD 
England fans at Heathrow this morning Southgate’s doppelgänger joins fans in Dortmund
Joining England fans in Germany is for the semi-final clash is Gareth Southgate doppelgänger Neil Rowe.
A lookalike of the England manager by night, Neil is actually a senior first officer pilot at British Airways by day.
The airline hosted a special fan check-in zone at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 before the flight to Germany this morning.
Southgate doppelgänger Neil Rowe 
BA hosted a special fan check-in zone at Heathrow Thousands of England fans in Germany
Thousands of England fans have travelled to Dortmund to cheer on Southgate’s men tonight.
Many, proudly wearing England shirts, have been singing on public transport and posing with the St George’s Cross.
One group of fans have been seen holding a cardboard cutout of the England manager aloft as they drank cans of beer and chanted in the streets of the Germany city.
An England fan holds aloft a cutout of Gareth Southgate in DortmundCredit: AP 
England fans enjoying themselves as kick-off approachesCredit: AP 
Fans Kate Wilkinson and Amy Dorman, from Middlesborough, posing with an England flag ahead of the gameCredit: Paul Edwards Welcome to our live coverage as England take on Holland looking to book their place in Sunday’s Euros final.
England have not been at their best so far this tournament, but have still managed to find a way to keep winning and are now just 90 minutes, along with the dreaded potential of extra-time and penalties, from facing Spain for a first major trophy since 1966.
The Netherlands have a similar tale to tell, though, having only finished third in their group and having to come from behind to narrowly beat Turkey in the quarter-final.
The Three Lions will be cheered on in Dortmund by thousands of fans who have made the trip out to Germany especially for the game.
And pubs and bars across the country will be filled with expectant fans, too.
