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Agence France-Presse

England manager Gareth Southgate said he was “immensely proud” to lead the Three Lions into a first ever major tournament final on foreign soil after a dramatic 2-1 win over the Netherlands.
Ollie Watkins struck a stoppage-time winner in Dortmund to send England into the final against Spain in Berlin.
For the third consecutive game England were forced to come from behind after Xavi Simons’ early thunderbolt for the Dutch.
But Southgate’s men got their rewards for a much-improved performance as Harry Kane levelled from the penalty spot before Aston Villa striker Watkins proved the unlikely hero after his limited role at the tournament so far.
“I was really pleased with the quality of our play,” Southgate said. “It will be, I would imagine, a long time – if ever – an English side had 60 per cent of the ball against a side from the Netherlands.

“So it shows the more modern England way.”
The England boss had been heavily criticised after his side needed late equalisers against Slovakia and Switzerland to reach the last four.
But in four major tournaments in charge, Southgate has now led his country to two finals, a semi-final and a quarter-final.
And he is keen to make amends from losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties to Italy at Wembley three years ago.
“The only reason I did the job when I took it on was to try and bring success to England as a nation and to try and improve English football,” he added.
“To be able to take the team to a first final overseas, I’m immensely proud of that.
“But now of course we’ve come here to win. We play the team who’ve been the best team 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?” Soughtate said on his warmer reception from the travelling fans in Dortmund.
“When you’re doing something for your country and you’re a proud Englishman and when you don’t feel that back and when all you read is criticism, it’s hard.
“So, to be able to celebrate a second final is very, very special.”


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Euro 2024

Euro 2024: Southgate ‘immensely proud’ to lead England to first final on foreign soil

England’s manager Gareth Southgate celebrates at the end of their Euro 2024 semifinal win over Netherlands. Photo: AP

Ollie Watkins was England’s unlikely hero with a stoppage-time winner from the bench against Netherlands. Photo: AP

Euro 2024: wonderkid Yamal on target as Spain edge France to reach final

Spain’s players celebrate after their victory over France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Photo: AP

Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest scorer at a major tournament with his goal against Spain. Photo: AP

Euro 2024: England star Saka exorcises penalty demons as semi-finals beckon

England’s Bukayo Saka reacts after scoring a peanlty during his side’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland. Photo: AP

England players celebrate at the end of the penalty shoot-out. Photo: AFP

Euro 2024: Portugal’s exit likely to herald Ronaldo’s international retirement

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo could have played his last international after his side’s defeat to France in the European Championship. Photo: AP

France’s Theo Hernandez (right) celebrates with goalkeeper Mike Maignan after scoring the winning penalty against Portugal. Photo: AP

Euro 2024: former China player Fan Zhiyi stuns social media with perfect last-16 picks

Fan Zhiyi made his correct Euro 2024 last-16 predictions on Xinai Sports. Photo: Iqiyi

Turkey were surprise winners over Austria – a result Fan predicted. Photo: AP

Fan expects a France versus Switzerland final – a repeat of a last-16 match at the last Euros. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

Ollie Watkins struck a stoppage-time winner in Dortmund to send England into the final against Spain in Berlin


Ollie Watkins struck a stoppage-time winner in Dortmund to send England into the final against Spain in Berlin as they came from behind for the third consecutive match after late goals against Slovakia and Switzerland.
