Ollie’s well for England

Dortmund, July 11

England are into another European Championship final after their latest dramatic, come-from-behind win that even took King Charles III on a rollercoaster ride.

Ollie Watkins, who came on for captain Harry Kane in a bold call by England coach Gareth Southgate, scored in the first minute of stoppage time to earn England a 2-1 win over Netherlands on Wednesday and a shot at Spain in the title match.

In the knockout stage at the Euro 2024, England have scored a stoppage-time equaliser through Jude Bellingham before edging past Slovakia in the last-16 and needed a penalty shootout to see off Switzerland in the quarterfinals.

The English are keeping their supporters back home on the edge of their seats as the men’s team moves closer to a first title since the 1966 World Cup — and that includes its monarch.

“If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!” the king said in a congratulatory message soon after the game in Dortmund.

Watkins’ goal was fit for a king. He had only made one previous appearance at the Euro 2024 — as a substitute in the group game against Denmark — so it was a surprise when he was brought on in the 80th minute. — AP