England’s head coach Gareth Southgate feels reaching the Euro 2024 final is his best achievement so far. Southgate also guided England to the Euro 2021 final but they could not cross the last hurdle against Italy at the Wembley Stadium.
The final against Spain will be England’s first final in a major tournament while playing outside their home conditions. England registered a thrilling 2-1 win against the Netherlands in the semifinal clash on Wednesday to advance through.
Xavi Simons scored a thunderous goal from distance to put the Dutch in front in the seventh minute. However, the Three Lions were able to equalize after Harry Kane scored from the spot kick in the 18th minute after earning the penalty.
When it looked like the match was heading towards extra time, substitute Ollie Watkins scored in the 90th minute to put England in front.
Asked where he placed Wednesday’s achievement in his eight-year tenure, Southgate told ITV: “Yeah, I think it has to be the best. It’s another landmark, but the way that we played as well, we played so well throughout the game.”
Southgate has faced a lot of criticism as England’s manager and he has hit back at his critics in style.
“We all want to be loved, right? When you are doing something for your country and you are a proud Englishman, when you don’t feel that back and all you read is criticism, it is hard,” Southgate told a news conference.
“To be able to celebrate a second final is very, very special. Especially the fans that travel. Our travelling support is amazing, the money they spend, the commitment to do that, to be able to give them a night like this — and we have given them a few over the last six years from Russia onwards — it means a lot.
“If I hadn’t been on the grass, I’d have been watching, celebrating like they were. We’re kindred spirits in many ways. Of course, I’m the one that has to pick a team. To be able to give them a night like tonight is very, very special.”
The final will be played in Berlin on Sunday.
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