Yahoo Sports 'Gareth, we apologise!' Best of social media reaction from England's win
England manager Gareth Southgate has been jeered at, criticised and had beer thrown at him during Euro 2024, but some fans are taking it all back after the semi-final win over the Netherlands.
Here is some of the best reaction from social media.
A lot of fans said sorry
One fan expressed his apologies for doubting the England manager by referencing Take That's 1995 hit, Back for Good, with the lyric: "Whatever I said, whatever I did, I didn't mean it."
No Phillips, no problem
Following a 1-1 draw with Denmark during the group stages, when England's performance was criticised, manager Southgate said that the team were struggling in midfield because they had not found a "natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips".
The 28-year-old featured in Southgate's squad during the last two major tournaments, but missed out on Euro 2024 following a poor season in which he was loaned from Manchester City to West Ham and struggled to pick up many minutes.
Southgate has rotated his midfield throughout the tournament, but started with Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo and Jude Bellingham against the Netherlands.
England are in good company
If England beat Spain on Sunday, they will match the heroics of their women's counterparts the Lionesses, who won the Euros in 2022.
Southgate showed his emotions
The England manager passionately celebrated with supporters after the final whistle on Wednesday night. It was a stark contrast to what happened following the goalless draw with Slovenia during the group stages, when beer cups were thrown at him by some fans.
After the win over the Netherlands Southgate spoke about how difficult it has been to be subjected to so much criticism.
Gareth Southgate was hyped at full time!#Euro2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/oHU8zdz9oH
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 10, 2024
Southgate's record
Amid criticism of his tactics, many would point to Southgate's record in the eight years he has been England manager and say that it speaks for itself.
Super subs pay off
There has been much conversation around Southgate's team selection this tournament, but his substitutions paid off on Wednesday, with Cole Palmer assisting Ollie Watkins for the winner after both were introduced on 80 minutes.
'There's only two Gareth Southgates'
Click to watch this German police officer being serenaded by England fans because of his resemblance to the Three Lions boss.
The video, filmed by Rob Toone from Derby, was shared widely on social media, including by the German Embassy in London.
'24' - new album from Adele?
Singer Adele was one of the famous faces at the BVB Stadion Dortmund on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister tuned in
Picked the right moment to pop out from NATO meetings and check the score...@MinPres pic.twitter.com/gqnCK8ogri
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 10, 2024
Newly elected Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made time in his schedule to watch Harry Kane's penalty.
The rugby boys enjoyed the game
The England rugby union team tuned in from New Zealand - they play the All Blacks in their second Test on Saturday.
To watch their celebrations, click the link here - but warning: Turn the sound down!
Scenes 👏👏
Congratulations @England 👊@o2 | #WearTheRose pic.twitter.com/xH1nFavN4J— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) July 10, 2024
The Killers nailed it
Brandon Flowers and co interrupted their performance at the O2 in London to stream the match, meaning any England fans in attendance didn't have to worry about a diary clash.
Ross Kemp is back
Have England even won if Ross Kemp hasn't posted a video shouting at his phone? The former EastEnders actor's rousing updates were a big fixture during the last European Championship - and he's back!
Were the Netherlands robbed?
Of course, not everyone was happy with the result. Northern Irish comedian Vittorio Angelone is one of those who believes the Netherlands were hard done by.
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman criticised the use of video assistant referees (VAR) for "breaking football" after England were awarded a contentious penalty from which they levelled the game after 18 minutes.
A new allegiance was formed between Scotland and Spain
Scottish MP Stephen Flynn implored Spain midfielder Rodri to keep Scotland's neighbours away the trophy.
Scotland famously beat Spain 2-0 during qualifiers in March last year, after which Rodri complained about the pitch.
