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Gareth Southgate enjoyed his final performance in England, but the much-criticised manager’s focus quickly shifted from a special semi-final victory to Sunday’s European Championship final against Spain.
Three years after losing the continental showpiece to Italy on penalties, the Euro 2020 runners-up got another chance in Berlin this weekend by beating the Netherlands 2-1.
England were underwhelmed at the start of this summer’s tournament as fans turned on manager Southgate, but their performances improved as they progressed through the knockout stages.
Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick rescued a last-16 embarrassment against Slovakia and led to a 2-1 extra-time victory, before beating Switzerland on penalties after the quarter-finals ended 1-1.
Another 120 minutes were on the cards after Harry Kane’s controversial penalty canceled out Xavi Simons’ strike, only for substitute Ollie Watkins to seal a 2-1 semi-final win at the death.
“I took it upon myself to try and improve English football and we are now in our second final,” Southgate said. “The last one is the first in 50 years. Now we are the first not to play on our shores.
“I think we have a team that’s going to be together for a while, so it’s not like a team that’s at the end of a cycle.
“We’re giving people some amazing nights. I think we’ve given the supporters some of the best nights in the last 50 years, so I’m really proud.
“I’m happy that everyone at home felt what we felt and the supporters in the stadium.
“But from our point of view, we are not done yet. We have the best test to prepare for and we came here to try and win the tournament, and that is still our goal.
Watkins’ win sparked wild celebrations in Dortmund and across England, with new Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Prince of Wales among those sending their congratulations.
The King joined in praising Southgate’s team – but urged them to avoid last-minute drama.
Commenting on Charles’ comments, the England boss said with a smile: “Well, I hope he enjoys a few beers.
“We’ve had some incredible nights over the last seven or eight years. The games have been dramatic because of late goals.
“The only reason I did the job was to try and bring success to England as a nation and try to improve English football.
“To be able to take the team to the first final abroad, I am very proud.
“But now, of course, we came here to win. We play a team that has been the best team in the tournament and we have less days to prepare, so it is a big task. But we are still here and we fight.
Spain have been the dominant team in this tournament, beating hosts Germany in the quarter-finals before defeating France in Tuesday’s semi-finals.
England will be the underdogs at the Olympiastadion for the last few expected Southgate’s side will be in after their unconvincing display.
Boos greeted the group against Denmark and Slovenia, with mugs of beer even aimed at the manager after the late stalemate in Cologne.
Southgate admitted in recent days that he had been hurt by personal criticism, making moments like Wednesday’s semi-final all the sweeter.
“We all want to be loved, don’t we? When you do something for your country and you’re a proud Englishman, if you don’t feel back and all you read is criticism, then it’s difficult,” said the England boss.
“To be able to celebrate the second final is very special. Especially the traveling fans.
“Our travel support is amazing, the money they put in, the commitment to do this, to be able to give a night like this – and we’ve given a few over the last six years from Russia – means a lot.
“If I’m not on the grass, I’m always watching, celebrating like them. We’re kindred spirits in many ways. Of course, I’m the one who has to pick the team.
“To be able to give him a night like tonight, it’s very special.”
