After squeaking past Spain in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League, England fans had high hopes that their country might move ahead to win their first major title in years.
After a 3-1 extra time defeat to the Netherlands on Thursday night, however, they found out that this was not to be.
Despite falling into a 0-1 hole after a Marcus Rashford penalty goal in the first half, the Dutch climbed back to win 3-1 and grab a date with Portugal in the competition’s final on Sunday night.
In a highly-contested match in Guimarães, Portugal, both teams traded chances and opportunities for goal. A Matthijis de Ligt foul in the box gave England a penalty and a 0-1 lead in the 32nd minute of the first half.
The Orangemen didn’t stop clawing, however, scoring the equalizing goal to pull even with the Three Lions in the 73rd minute with a redemptive de Ligt header.
The match then went to extra time, in which the Netherlands dominated the field in order to advance to the final.
The Dutch took a 2-1 lead after a Kyle Walker goal after 7 minutes of added time. They sealed the deal with a Quincy Promes goal only 17 minutes later.
England will go home disappointed while the Netherlands will have the chance to win the tournament on Sunday night.
