David's Euro Diary - England's Bench Sees Them Through (Patreon)

It's the other David here tonight as it's Young Marshall's birthday and he is somewhat hammered and currently singing in his living room in Linwood. Therefore it felt to his older, balder namesake to fill in with the second semi-final. And, for the first half, I was pretty glad to as Holland and England served up a very decent half. Oh, and before you hit me with 'it's the Netherlands, David' Ronald Koeman called them 'Holland' in his prematch interview so I'm going with that.

There were no shocks in either lineup, and the game started at a cracking pace. After 7 minutes, a rare error by Declan Rice saw him robbed just outside the box by Xavi Simons, who raced on a smashed a tremendous strike up and past Jordan Pickford. The Everton keeper could argue, and with some cause, he was unsighted but he might have moved his feet better. Jack Butland would have.

England recovered and in the first half had a grip of the midfield. They were given some help right enough, when Harry Kane shot over the bar during an attack. As he kicked the ball, Denzil Dumfries raised his foot to challenge and Kane's momentum saw him kick through and connect with Dumfries' foot. The ref, who was bloody awful all night in all honesty, initially gave nothing but VAR suggested he look at it. Much to the ITV team's shock - Gary Neville called it 'a disgrace' - he gave it. Kane slotted away calmly and it was game on.

This one, for me, fell into that category of decisions that are probably right under the rules but just don't FEEL right. These are the ones that IFAB really need to get better at. You do see them given a lot outside the box, but I'll be honest, if that was given against us I'd be heartsick.

Still, it fired up England, who dominated. Phil Foden, who was superb in the first half, was unlucky twice. Dumfries made a brilliant goal-line clearance and then the Man City midfielder saw his arching shot hit the bar. The Dutch kept England honest at the other end, despite losing Memphis Depay to injury. A corner was headed against the bar by Dumfries and the half came to an end with both teams still very much in it.

The game settled down in the second half, with the Dutch changing to shut up the spaces England's middle had exploited first half. They had much more control without looking all that threatening. Their best chance came when Greetin' Joey Veerman managed to avoid sobbing long enough to put in a superb cross which Van Dijk put towards goal, though it was a straightforward save for Pickford. 

At the other end, a very nice give and go move on the edge of the six-yard box saw Saka score, but it was correctly ruled out for offside in the buildup.

Yer aul da here said in the group chat that 'England's bench should see them home here' and so it proved. Cole Palmer slid the ball through to Ollie Watkins, who turned superbly and arrowed a great low shot into the far corner. There's an interesting discussion to be had about the strikers for England. Kane has looked leaden all tournament, while Watkins pace and movement offers a very good option. Albeit there's more chance of Southgate picking me than dropping his captain.

So, to the final. Spain have been my team of the tournament and have been great throughout, but England have shown a resilience and an ability to get the job done that they've never previously had. Is it finally their year? They couldn't ask for a tougher opponent, a flying confident Spain side who play with neither fear nor indiscipline. I think the battle will be won in midfield. If Rodri bosses it, only one winner. If England manage to get the upper hand in there they have a shot. Should be a cracker anyway.

A soberer, if older, David Marshall will return for that one!