Gareth Southgate described guiding England to their first major tournament final on foreign soil as the pinnacle of his coaching career.
England came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in Dortmund, with substitute Ollie Watkins scoring a stunning winner in the 90th minute.
The win sets up a showdown with Spain in the European Championship final in Berlin on Sunday.
Netherlands took an early lead through Xavi Simons’ impressive long-range strike, but England equalized when Harry Kane converted a penalty awarded after VAR review.
Reflecting on his tenure since taking charge in 2016, Southgate highlighted reaching a quarterfinal, a semifinal, and now two finals as significant milestones.
England had never before reached a major final outside their home turf, having previously lost the Euros final at Wembley to Italy on penalties.
Their sole triumph in tournaments came in the 1966 World Cup, also hosted in London.
Commenting on Wednesday’s milestone in his eight-year tenure, Gareth Southgate emphasized its significance, telling 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, who has faced criticism for a perceived cautious approach, acknowledged the challenges of public scrutiny but expressed pride in the team’s performance and the support of England’s passionate fans.
“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 England manager confirmed concerns over Kieran Trippier’s fitness for the final against Spain due to a groin issue.
