Southgate Leads England to Historic Euros Final
Gareth Southgate expressed immense pride in guiding England to their first-ever major tournament final on foreign soil following a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Netherlands.
Dramatic Victory in Dortmund
Ollie Watkins clinched a last-gasp winner in Dortmund, propelling England into the final showdown against Spain in Berlin.
Early Setback Overcome
England, facing adversity yet again, rallied from behind for the third consecutive game after Xavi Simons struck early for the Dutch.
Redemption for Southgate’s Squad
Harry Kane restored parity from the penalty spot, setting the stage for Aston Villa’s Watkins to emerge as the unexpected hero despite his limited playing time earlier in the tournament.
Southgate’s Reflection on the Game
“I was really pleased with the quality of our play. I would imagine it will be a long time, if ever, before an English side has 60 percent of the ball against a side from the Netherlands. So it shows the more modern England way,” said Southgate, highlighting the team’s evolving style.
Criticism Turned to Triumph
Despite earlier criticism for relying on late goals against Slovakia and Switzerland, Southgate has now steered England to two finals, a semi-final, and a quarter-final in his four major tournaments in charge.
A Quest for Redemption
Reflecting on England’s heartbreak at Euro 2020, where they lost the final to Italy on penalties at Wembley, Southgate is determined to rewrite history.
“The only reason I took on this job was to bring success to England and to improve English football,” he emphasized.
Immense Pride in Achievement
“To lead the team to a first final overseas, I’m immensely proud of that,” Southgate acknowledged, reflecting on the significance of their accomplishment.
Focus on Winning
“Now, our focus shifts to winning. We’re up against the tournament’s best team, and with one day less to prepare, it’s a monumental task. But we’re here, and we’re ready to fight,” Southgate declared confidently.
Triumph Amid Adversity
The victory holds particular significance for Southgate, who faced criticism following England’s shaky start to the tournament, including an incident where beer cups hit him after a goalless draw against Slovenia in the group stage.
A Touching Moment
Reflecting on the warmer reception from travelling fans in Dortmund, Southgate expressed gratitude for the support amidst challenging times.
“We all want to love, right? When you’re doing something for your country, and you’re a proud Englishman, it’s tough when you don’t feel that support and all you hear is criticism,” Southgate admitted.
Celebrating Success
“So, celebrating a second final appearance is incredibly special,” Southgate concluded, relishing the moment and looking ahead with optimism.
