GLEE LIONS
England fans gush ‘my manager’ as incredible footage emerges of Southgate going wild after reaching Euro 2024 final
Even Dutchman Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink got involved after Ollie Watkins' winner
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GARETH SOUTHGATE joined the jubilant celebrations after England reached the Euro 2024 final.
The Three Lions triumphed 2-1 against the Netherlands thanks to Ollie Watkins' dramatic late winner.
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Southgate, who was booed earlier in the tournament, has completed a remarkable turnaround.
After the huge win, he walked towards the stands applauding.
The England boss punched the air and pumped his fists with delight as he screamed with joy.
Fans were delighted to see the passion on show in the viral clip and took to social media to celebrate.
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"My manager," posted one on X.
Another added: "We love you Gareth."
A third wrote: "Let’s go Gareth, he’s delivering!"
A fourth commented: "Back to back finals in the Euros, he's doing something right."
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England play Spain in Sunday's final where Southgate will look to break a 58-year trophy drought.
His side were beaten on penalties by Italy in the final at the last Euros, while he has also made it to a World Cup semi-final, and a quarter-final.
Watch Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink ‘remember he’s Dutch’ during England’s wild celebrations to Watkins’ winner vs Holland
Speaking after the game, Southgate said: "I took the job to try to improve English football and we're now in a second final.
"The last one was the first in over 50 years. We're now in a first one oversees.
"We're giving people amazing nights. We've given our supporters some of the best nights in the last 50 years. I'm hugely proud of that.
"I'm delighted if everyone at home is feeling the way we are and the way those in the stadium were. But we're not finished.
"We've got the greatest possible test to prepare for. We came here to try to win the tournament and that's still our aim."
Split loyalties
Roy Keane will be cheering on Spain after making a bonkers promise earlier in the tournament.
The proud Irishman said he would move to AUSTRALIA is England go all the way.
While Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was caught with split loyalties after Waktins' winner.
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The Three Lions coach ran up to celebrate with Southgate.
However, Hasselbaink's smile quickly faded after realising he was celebrating a goal against his native side.
England ratings vs Holland
ENGLAND stormed into the final against Spain thanks to Ollie Watkins' last-minute strike in the 2-1 win over Holland.
It was a brilliant team performance, but how did each player rate?
SunSport's Tom Barclay ran the rule over Southgate's boys, and here's how he rated them.
Jordan Pickford: 7
Bigger goalkeepers may have got a stronger hand to Xavi Simons’ early stunner - though that was being hypercritical. Solid stop to deny Virgil van Dijk after the hour.
Kyle Walker: 7
Looked re-energised after some lumbering displays and bombed on at times in the first half, despite his role on the right of a back three. Last-ditch tackle on Cody Gakpo was spot on.
John Stones: 7
Strong in possession. He looks to have benefited from regular game-time after rarely featuring for Manchester City in the last few months.
Marc Guehi: 6
Came back into the side after suspension ruled him out of the Switzerland game. Had an unenviable task of making the big man Wout Weghorst after the break.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Razor-sharp in the first half, winning tackles, making runs and dribbling the ball proficiently. Less of an impact after the break, had a goal ruled out for offside and was booked.
Declan Rice: 6
Lost possession for Simons’ thunderous opener but grew into the game, mopping up where necessary. Poor pass when Kane was open midway through the second half.
Kobbie Mainoo: 8
Was England’s youngest-ever player to play in a major-tournament semi-final, aged 19years 82 days, and had a stormer in the first half. Great bursts forward, vital tackles, and his interplay with Foden was a joy.
Kieran Trippier: 6
We all know by now that he is playing out of position, so again he was limited going forward and reliable defensively. Subbed at half-time for the more natural Shaw.
Phil Foden: 7
The first 45 minutes was by far and away his best half of the tournament. Thought he’d scored when his shot was cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries, and cracked the post with a cracker. But was then surprisingly subbed.
Jude Bellingham: 5
Back at the ground where he made his name but struggled to make much of an impact on his old stomping ground. Fortunate it was not he that was subbed.
Harry Kane: 6
Won and dispatched the penalty to go joint top-scorer in the tournament with three goals. Had looked more mobile initially but still tired badly after the break and was taken off.
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Luke Shaw (for Kieran Trippier, half-time): 6
Looked assured for a man who has been out for so long.
Ollie Watkins (for Harry Kane, 81): 9 and STAR MAN
Surprisingly given the nod over Ivan Toney as striker sub as Southgate looked for more pace in behind. Brilliant finish into the corner to win the game - you could not ask more from him.
Cole Palmer (for Phil Foden, 81): 7
Had his big chance in the final minutes but shanked it horribly wide - but then fed Watkins for his wonderful winner.
Gareth Southgate: 8
His switch to a back three against Switzerland helped dig out the win there, and here it had his team finally playing some great football in the first half. The team went into their shells again as the game wore on and you feared the worst - but you have to say his decision to bring on Ollie Watkins was a masterstroke.
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