England manager Gareth Southgate expressed his joy and relief after his team’s victory against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Southgate, who has faced personal criticism recently, found solace in celebrating with the supporters. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the moment and shared his love for the players. The criticism had taken a toll on him, but he acknowledged that it was all part of the job.
Despite falling behind in the match, England showed resilience and fought back to level the score, eventually winning on penalties. Southgate highlighted the team’s ability to find ways to get results and praised their resilience. He acknowledged that previous England teams lacked tournament experience and were often knocked out early, but this current group is different. They have shown the attributes of a winning side, keeping possession for longer periods and displaying the qualities seen in successful teams like Italy, France, and Spain.
Pundits also had positive things to say about England’s performance. Rio Ferdinand commended their upward trajectory in tournament football and their nerves of steel in crucial moments. Izzy Christiansen recognized the team’s incremental improvement and emphasized the importance of character, resilience, will to win, and energy in carrying them forward. Micah Richards highlighted the unity within the team and the need to focus on positive discussions about England. Alan Shearer praised the manager’s preparation and the players’ composure during the penalty shootout, acknowledging the pressure they faced.
Looking ahead, Southgate expressed his desire to create more history for England by reaching their first final outside of England and winning the Euros. The team’s journey has already provided fantastic memories, but there is still more they want to achieve.
Overall, England’s victory in the Euro 2024 semi-finals not only brought joy to Southgate but also showcased their resilience and attributes of a winning side. The team’s progress in tournament football has been recognized by pundits, who believe they are moving in an upward direction. The unity within the team and their ability to handle pressure were also highlighted. With the final in sight, England will continue their quest for success and hope to create more history.