Dj Vnyash
England manager Gareth Southgate expressed his immense pride in leading the Three Lions to their first-ever major tournament final on foreign soil following a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Netherlands on Wednesday. Ollie Watkins scored a stoppage-time winner in Dortmund, securing England’s place in Sunday’s final against Spain in Berlin.
For the third consecutive match, England had to come from behind after Xavi Simons’ early goal for the Dutch. However, Southgate’s team was rewarded for their improved performance. Harry Kane equalized from the penalty spot, and Aston Villa striker Watkins emerged as the unlikely hero despite his limited role in the tournament so far.
Southgate was particularly pleased with the quality of England’s play, noting that it was a rare achievement for an English team to have 60 percent possession against a Dutch side. He highlighted this as a testament to the modern style of English football.
Despite facing heavy criticism after needing late goals to draw against Slovakia and Switzerland to reach the semifinals, Southgate has now led England to two finals, a semifinal, and a quarterfinal in four major tournaments. He is determined to make up for the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy on penalties at Wembley three years ago.
Southgate took the job to bring success to England and improve English football, and he is immensely proud of taking the team to their first overseas final. However, he emphasized that the goal is to win, acknowledging the challenge of facing the tournament’s best team, Spain, with one day less to prepare.
The victory was especially gratifying for Southgate after the backlash he received for England’s shaky start to the tournament, including being targeted by thrown beer cups following a 0-0 draw against Slovenia in the group stage. He appreciated the warmer reception from traveling fans in Dortmund and cherished the opportunity to celebrate reaching a second final.
