England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, expressed his delight for match-winner Ollie Watkins and described his team’s late victory over the Netherlands to reach the UEFA Euro 2024 final as “special.”
Watkins’ decisive goal in the 90th minute came shortly after being brought on alongside Cole Palmer, who provided the assist with a clever pass.
“The most crucial thing is that all members of the squad are prepared to enter the game,” Southgate told ITV Sport following England’s advancement to a second consecutive Euro final during his tenure.
“We sensed a drop in energy levels and Harry [Kane] sustained an injury. Ollie has a strong pressing game and can make runs behind the defense. We believed it was the right moment to introduce him. I’m thrilled for Ollie to have his moment,” Southgate added.
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Watkins’ goal described as ‘special’
England’s previous knockout matches in Germany had gone into extra time, making Watkins’ goal even more significant in their challenging campaign.
Xavi Simons opened the scoring with a stunning goal, intercepting Declan Rice before firing a powerful shot from outside the box past Jordan Pickford after just seven minutes.
HAS OLLIE WATKINS WON IT FOR ENGLAND?! 🏴🏴🏴
ASTON VILLA’S OLLIE WATKINS IS A SUPERSTAR SHOOTER! 🤩🎯#Euro2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/67Zpbwg6QQ
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 10, 2024
Kane equalized with a penalty eleven minutes later, slotting the ball under Bart Verbruggen’s dive to bring England level.
“We performed admirably,” Southgate commented after making a halftime substitution, bringing on Luke Shaw for Kieran Trippier.
Gareth felt that one 😤#NEDENG pic.twitter.com/ItwV7TzHSh
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 10, 2024
“It was a complex game, and we had to adapt defensively, making changes constantly. The players made excellent decisions throughout. The end result is special for the team and a reward for their dedication,” Southgate concluded.
Euro 2024 final: England vs Spain
England is now one game away from potentially winning the title for the first time, facing a tough challenge against Spain, who enter the final with six consecutive victories and talented players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
They will clash with the three-time champions, who defeated France 2-1 in the semifinal, at Berlin’s Olympiastadion on Sunday (20:00 BST).
Although England will be considered underdogs, Southgate has once again guided his team to success beyond expectations since taking over in November 2016.