England manager Gareth Southgate expressed immense pride in leading the Three Lions to their first-ever major tournament final on foreign soil after 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 game, England had to come from behind after Xavi Simons' early thunderbolt for the Dutch. However, Southgate's team was rewarded for their improved performance, with Harry Kane equalizing from the penalty spot before Aston Villa striker Watkins emerged as the unlikely hero despite his limited role in the tournament so far.
"I was really pleased with the quality of our play. I imagine it's rare, if ever, for an English side to have 60 percent of the ball against a team from the Netherlands. It shows the more modern England way," said Southgate.
The England boss had faced heavy criticism after his team needed late equalizers against Slovakia and Switzerland to reach the last four. However, Southgate has now led England to two finals, a semi-final, and a quarter-final in four major tournaments.
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He is eager to make amends for losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties to Italy at Wembley three years ago. "The only reason I took this job was to bring success to England as a nation and to improve English football," he added. "To take the team to a first final overseas, I'm immensely proud of that. But now we've come here to win. We play the team that has been the best in the tournament, and we have a day less to prepare, so it's a huge task. But we're still here and we're fighting."
Victory was especially sweet for Southgate after the backlash he received for England's shaky start to the tournament. He had been targeted by thrown beer cups after a 0-0 draw against Slovenia in the group stage.
"We all want to be loved, right?" Southgate said about the warmer reception from traveling fans in Dortmund. "When you're doing something for your country and you're a proud Englishman, it's hard when you don't feel that support and all you read is criticism. So, to be able to celebrate reaching a second final is very, very special."
