England’s dramatic 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semifinal showcased their resilience and character, securing a place in the final against Spain. Substitute Ollie Watkins’ 91st-minute goal proved to be the difference, sending England into their second consecutive European Championship final. This victory served as a resounding response to the criticism faced by the team earlier in the tournament.
Manager Gareth Southgate expressed his pride and appreciation for his players, highlighting their ability to overcome adversity and deliver memorable performances. “We all want to be loved, right?” Southgate remarked. “When you are doing something for your country and you are a proud Englishman, when all you read is criticism it is hard. To be able to celebrate a second final is very, very special.” He also acknowledged the incredible support they had received from fans, stating, “We have given people some amazing nights, some of the best nights in 50 years.”
Southgate, who took charge in 2016, has led England to at least the quarter-finals in each of the last four major tournaments, a feat unmatched by any other European nation. Having lost to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final, England now has another chance to lift a major trophy, this time against Spain in Berlin on Sunday.
Southgate praised the team’s determination and unity, emphasizing the role of Watkins, who consistently demonstrated his dedication despite limited playing time. “Ollie Watkins has trained like that every day. He has trained for his moment no matter how frustrated.” He also highlighted the team’s strong bond and support for each other, stating, “They had each others’ back, they bonded so well and tonight it was an example of that.”
The victory against the Netherlands followed a penalty shootout win over Switzerland in the quarter-finals, demonstrating England’s ability to thrive in high-pressure knockout matches. Southgate attributed this improvement to the experience gained since their World Cup semifinal defeat to Croatia in 2018. “We are more calm going into the knockout games. In Russia we had not won a knockout game in 10 years,” he said. “To be able to take the team to the first final overseas I am immensely proud of that.”
England’s only previous major tournament victory was the 1966 World Cup, which they won on home soil. They will now face Spain, who have been the most dominant team in the tournament, having won all their matches in Germany. Southgate acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead, acknowledging Spain’s exceptional performance. “We will have to get the ball off them first,” he said. “It is not as simple as us having the ball and making them run. We have to be exceptional with the ball and without it. They have been the best team.”
Despite facing a tough opponent and a short turnaround time, Southgate expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete. “We are starting to show a better version of ourselves,” he said. “We have come here to win it. It is a huge task but we are still here and fighting.”
