Dortmund: Gareth Southgate, often a lightning rod for criticism during his tenure as England's manager at Euro 2024, finds redemption and potential adoration from supporters following England's dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over the Netherlands. Widely known for his cautious tactics, Southgate's decision to substitute captain Harry Kane for Ollie Watkins proved decisive as Watkins scored a stunning injury-time winner.

After enduring scrutiny and even being targeted by disgruntled fans with plastic cups, Southgate's strategy of adopting a more open and attacking style against the Netherlands paid off. This victory not only secured England's place in the Euro 2024 final but also revived hopes of claiming their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

Reflecting on the significance of reaching another final after Euro 2020, Southgate expressed his joy and the importance of reconnecting with England's loyal supporters. "We all want to be loved, right? When you're doing something for your country and you're a proud Englishman, when you don't feel that back and when all you read is criticism, it's hard," Southgate remarked, acknowledging the challenges he has faced.

Once hailed for his ability to reinvigorate England's fan base, Southgate's tenure has seen its share of ups and downs. The iconic image of him in a waistcoat during the 2018 World Cup epitomised his initial success in bringing the nation together behind the team. However, the disappointment of losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy on penalties raised doubts about his cautious approach.

Throughout Euro 2024, England's journey has been fraught with tense moments, including late-game heroics against Slovakia and Switzerland that kept their hopes alive. Southgate's tactical decisions, sometimes criticised, have been scrutinised, notably his experiment of deploying Trent Alexander-Arnold in an unfamiliar midfield role during earlier matches.

Looking ahead to the final against Spain, Southgate acknowledged the challenge posed by the tournament's standout team but remained optimistic about England's prospects. "The only reason I took the job was to try and bring success to England as a nation and try and improve English football," Southgate emphasised. "To be able to take the team to its first final overseas, I'm immensely proud of that."

As England prepares for their showdown with Spain, Southgate's journey continues to unfold, marked by moments of triumph and resilience. For him, the upcoming final represents not only an opportunity to secure a historic victory but also to reaffirm his vision for English football on the international stage. AFP