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The dramatic triumph over the Netherlands was one of the most important in the history of the English national team.
England will play the second consecutive European final against Spain on Sunday and after a series of disappointments this time they will look for the trophy to end on their side.
The start of their Euro 2024 journey left little room for suggestion that England would go far in the tournament, but now they find themselves in yet another final and the first away from English soil in their history.
The minimal victory with Serbia, followed by two weak draws against Denmark and Slovenia, created a lot of uncertainty and skepticism among sports opinion and fans, who, unlike the previous tournaments, saw their national team stay a little in Germany.
But the truth is that the "Three Lions" created growth in the game from match to match. And if you compare the performance against the Netherlands in the semi-final and the other meetings, they will look like two completely different teams.
The round of 16 conjured up images of "Iceland 2016", when England were eliminated at the same stage by European underdogs France. A quickly conceded goal, unclear attack, lack of inspiration, until the moment when Jude Bellingham took everything into his own hands and gave England life with a backhand inside the area. To follow up Harry Kane's extra time goal that sealed qualification.
The quarter-final presented an even more dangerous test for England. Hungry Switzerland came after a qualification with a convincing game against Italy and against the "Three Lions" they would play the match of their lives. And so it turned out, the Helvetians took the lead 15 minutes from the end of regular time, but England equalized again thanks to a superb individual tackle, this time by Bukayo Saka. In the penalty shootout, the English also broke the curse, demonstrating maximum composure and precision to advance further.
The Netherlands hosted them in the semi-finals. That in the same way as England showed growth in the game. "Tulipans" were hoping for a final and their hopes rose to the maximum after Xavi Simons' goal a few minutes after the match started at "Signal Iduna Park". But, immediately after this moment, the "Three Lions" demonstrated a game that they had not shown for a moment before in Germany. Aggressive pressing, dominance in the circulation of the ball, dangerous chances and a fast pace. Elements of the game that everyone expected from England on the eve of the European Championship, but which appeared only during the meeting with the Netherlands.
In the second half Holland gained more control and Gareth Southgate acted boldly by activating Ollie Watkins, in place of first substitute Ivan Toney. A choice that caused surprise, but for all English opinion was considered the right one, considering the qualities of the Aston Villa striker.
Gareth Southgate was absolutely right in his judgment that Watkins' skills of speed, inter-line play, running in behind would be put to good use against a worn-out Dutch defence. And so it turned out. The goal came after a loose Dutch ball in midfield and Cole Palmer served deep for Watkins, who made his characteristic run behind Van Dijk and then beat De Vrij and keeper Veerbrugen to stop him.
Unsurprisingly, England's most dynamic moments at Euro 2024 have come off the back of attacking changes from the bench. The incredible qualities of the bench are a huge boon for Southgate, who, if he gets it right again, could make history against Spain.
Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze are not just players who come from the English Championship after a quality contribution last year, mostly they are players who give different tactical choices during the match to coach Southgate.
The likes of Ivan Toney who is an asset at the back of the defense and cool penalty kicks, Watkins with his speed and penetration behind the opposition defenders, Palmer for his verticality and the quick dynamism he gives to the attack, Eze for the progression of the ball in the last meters of the pitch and winning one-on-one duels with opposing defenders.
The English character and mentality has shown another face of this national team, unlike other years when things did not go in their favor and there was no Plan B. The ability to react from the most complicated situations is a quality of winning teams, but against Spain on Sunday, the English will really aim to successfully overcome the last hurdle and break the curse of trophies since the distant year 1966./ Super Sport
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