Xavi Simons gave the Netherlands an early lead in their Euro 2024 semi-final against England courtesy of a stunning strike, with Declan Rice at fault.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
- Simons scores screamer in seventh minute
- Rice criticised for involvement
- Spain await the winner in Sunday's final
-
WHAT HAPPENED?
Simons beat Jordan Pickford with a special strike from distance just seven minutes in after dispossessing England's Rice deep in the Three Lions' half. The Netherlands' lead was short-lived, though, with Harry Kane restoring parity from the penalty spot in the 18th minute.
Advertisement
-
WATCH SIMONS' GOAL
-
HOW FANS REACTED
Fans were quick to criticise Rice for the way he was easily shrugged off the ball by the considerably-smaller Simons.
X user @UtdEIIis wrote: "Rice stripping as per don’t put that guy in the same bracket as Rodri."
@Billie_T added: "Never forget arsenal fans spent a year trying to gaslight everyone into thinking rice is better than Rodri."
Meanwhile, @UTDTrey said: "THEY COMPARED THIS FRAUD RICE TO RODRI AND MAINOO."
@CFCMod_ wrote: "Someone clip that mistake from Declan Rice immediately, what on earth was he doing."
Another fan, @utdrobbo, added: "I cannot understate how bad Declan Rice has been this EUROs."
- Getty Images
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?
The Netherlands' lead lasted just 11 minutes in what was a frantic start to proceedings in Dortmund. Kane won a penalty after Denzel Dumfries was penalised following a VAR review of his collision with the England No.9, and the Bayern Munich striker scored from 12 yards to make it 1-1.
