Share this Southgate, and you'll win effortlessly." This joke has been making rounds during the Euro 2024, and for a good reason: England's luck. They played uninspired football in the group stage but still topped their group, avoiding the "Group of Death." In the knockout stage, they consistently fell behind but either turned the game around in extra time or won through penalties. Early this morning, with Watkins' last-minute winner against the Netherlands, England's "mysticism" added another chapter, propelling the Three Lions to their second consecutive Euro final.
The Unbelievable Journey
In the Euro 2024, England and France can be considered "rivals in luck." While France’s strategy is "pragmatic to the extreme," England's is "unbelievably lucky." Despite their 1.5 billion euro squad, they struggled to score in the group stage. In the knockout stage, they performed miraculous comebacks—like Bellingham's stunning bicycle kick against Slovakia with just 1 minute 33 seconds left to avoid elimination, and Saka’s spectacular goal against Switzerland that led to a penalty shootout victory.
Due to England’s often boring performance, many neutral fans supported the Netherlands in the semi-final. The Dutch team, with their more open and exciting playstyle, seemed the preferable choice. However, in the cauldron of Westfalen, despite the sea of orange fans, the Dutch were the latest victims of England's "mysticism."
Key Players and Moments
Southgate started with his multi-million lineup: Kane, Bellingham, Foden, Saka, and Rice. The match quickly fell into a familiar pattern. Just seven minutes in, with England still in their "Three Kittens" mode rather than "Three Lions," Xavi Simons scored a world-class goal. Pickford was helpless, and the Dutch fans erupted in joy as the scoreline read 1-0.
Like their match against Switzerland, England didn’t stay behind for long. Controversy and a goal soon followed. In the 18th minute, Kane’s volley was blocked by Dumfries, and VAR suggested a possible foul. Although it seemed ambiguous, the referee pointed to the spot. Kane converted the penalty, and England equalized within 11 minutes of falling behind.
The teams were back on level terms, leading to a long, hard-fought battle. Dumfries’ header hit the crossbar, and Foden’s long-range shot struck the post. Those familiar with England knew the script: wait for the Three Lions' late winner. And indeed, the plot unfolded predictably. The second half remained balanced until Southgate made a game-changing substitution.
The Turning Point
In the 79th minute, Walker assisted Saka for a goal, but it was disallowed for offside. Two minutes later, England made their third substitution: Watkins replaced Kane, and the wheels of fate began to turn. The referee made several decisions against the Netherlands, and Van Dijk received a yellow card for protesting. These controversial calls became a focal point of post-match discussions.
Time ticked down to the final seconds. In the last moment of regulation time, Watkins received the ball in the box, turned, and scored a low-angle shot that stunned the Dutch defense and found the back of the net! England once again scored an incredible last-minute winner, leading some to wonder if Southgate might truly be a genius. Despite the Netherlands' desperate attempts in injury time, they couldn't find an equalizer.
A Historical Achievement
With just two shots on target in the second half, England secured a 2-1 victory. The Three Lions became the first team in Euro history to trail in the Round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals but still reach the final. This was the fifth time England had come from behind to win in the Euros, tying Spain and France for the most such victories, seemingly blessed by a mystical force.
England’s talisman appears to be Southgate. Under his leadership, England has achieved an unbeaten run in regular time across 13 consecutive Euro matches, a feat no other coach has managed. In eight years under Southgate, England has reached their second Euro final, whereas it took the previous 86 years to make just one.
"We played very well. It was a complex game, and we had to adapt continuously. The players made many right decisions. The result is very special for the team and a reward for their efforts," Southgate said post-match. The never-say-die spirit of England has brought them to the final once again. The question now is: in the ultimate showdown against Spain's formidable attack, will Kane’s trophy curse be stronger, or will Southgate’s luck prevail? Stay tuned!
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