ENGLAND, despite their plodding progress through the competition, will meet Spain in the European Championship final on Sunday, July 14 in Berlin. An added time goal from substitute Ollie Watkins gave England a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands, just as it looked like the game would go to extra time. It was a much improved England side that produced another comeback after the Dutch had gone into a fourth minute lead through Xavi Simons, who hit a long range shot past Jordan Pickford. England were fortunate to be awarded a penalty in the 18th minute which Harry Kane netted in his customary style. Kane, once again, was disappointing and his place in the final must be in doubt. England looked better with Watkins on the field and Gareth Southgate's other substitutions also impressed, notably Cole Palmer, who set-up Watkins for the winner, taking England to their second successive European Championship final. Suddenly, Southgate, who has been criticised throughout the tournament, was the hero of the hour for his masterstroke substitutions. Spain, who have arguably been the best side in EURO 2024, will be a different proposition, but they have young players who lack the big-game experience. The final in Berlin should be a fascinating contest.

COLOMBIA pulled off a surprise Copa America semi-final victory against much-fancied Uruguay, winning 1-0 in North Carolina. But the game was overshadowed by some unacceptable violence at the end, with Uruguay's Darwin Nunez climbing into the crowd to fight with Colombian fans. The Liverpool striker claimed the Colombian fans had insulted his family and he was merely going to protect them. Other Uruguayan players also got involved, but images of Nunez battling with yellow-shirted Colombians were soon being shared across social media. Colombia's winner came in the 39th minute from Jefferson Lermam who powerfully headed home from a James Rodriguez (remember him?) corner. Colombia now face Argentina in the final. Nunez surely faces some disciplinary action, either from the Uruguay FA, CONMEBOL or Liverpool FC.

FORMER Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has allegedly turned down the chance to manage the USA Men's national team. Klopp, who left Liverpool because he was lacking the energy to continue at the club, was approached to succeed Gregg Berhalter, who led the US through a very below-par Copa America campaign. The US wanted Klopp to prepare them for the 2026 World Cup and manage the team through the competition, but he rejected the offer. Klopp would surely want a more high profile role and one assumes if he was to move into national team football it would be with Germany and not another country.

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