Ollie Watkins, the matchwinner for England in their 2-1 victory over Netherlands at the European Championship, swore on his life that he had planned the decisive goal with Cole Palmer on the sidelines before coming on as substitutes. This goal, which will go down in England history, came at a crucial moment when the game was tied 1-1. Watkins, playing for Aston Villa, managed to beat Dutch keeper Bart Verbruggen in second-half injury time, securing the Three Lions a spot in the Euro final for the second consecutive time.
The victory was redemption for Gareth Southgate and his team, who had faced major criticism from supporters for their lacklustre performance throughout the tournament. Despite the criticism, Southgate, who took over in 2016, has now led England to at least the quarterfinals in the last four major tournaments, making them the only European side to achieve this feat. After losing to Italy in the final of Euro 2020, England now has the chance to win their first major men’s trophy since the 1966 World Cup by defeating Spain in the upcoming final in Berlin.
Speaking after the match, Southgate emphasized the resilience and character of his team. He praised Ollie Watkins for his dedication and hard work, highlighting how the players had each others’ back and bonded well as a group. The victory over the Netherlands showcased the more modern England way of playing, while also demonstrating the team’s ability to overcome challenges and pressure in crucial moments.
Learnt from Past Mistakes
Reflecting on England’s journey in recent tournaments, Southgate mentioned how the team had learned from their experiences since the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He talked about the calmness and confidence the team displayed in knockout matches, citing the progress they had made since Russia, where they had lost in the semifinals to Croatia. Southgate expressed immense pride in leading the team to their first final overseas, highlighting the growth and development of the England squad over the years.
Challenging Task Ahead
Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Southgate acknowledged the challenge that lay in front of them. He recognized Spain as the in-form team at Euro 2024 so far, emphasizing the need for England to be exceptional both with and without the ball. With Spain being listed as favorites in the final, Southgate emphasized the importance of getting the ball off them and executing their game plan effectively to secure a victory in the tournament.
England’s historic victory over Netherlands signifies a significant moment for the team and their journey in the European Championship. With Ollie Watkins’ game-changing goal, Gareth Southgate’s leadership, and the team’s resilience, England has the opportunity to create history by winning their first major men’s trophy in decades. The final against Spain promises to be a challenging yet exciting encounter, as England seeks to overcome the odds and emerge victorious in Euro 2024.
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