Gareth Southgate’s critics must eat humble pie

England are through to the final of Euro 24 after substitute Ollie Watkins scored in the dying seconds of normal time. Nothing beats the euphoria of a last-gasp winner. Watkins had only been on the pitch for a few minutes before he rifled a stunning low shot into the far corner of the goal. There were 90+1 minutes on the clock when the ball went into the net. Everyone – players, fans, the coaching staff – went wild. 

It falls to those of us who have criticised England manager Gareth Southgate for his negativity and caution when it comes to the must-win games in the big tournaments to eat a large slice of humble pie. Southgate‘s game plan worked a treat. Who now dares to grumble that his in-game substitutions are too little, too late? Southgate brought on Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins in the closing moments of this game when extra time beckoned, changes that gave the team a crucial burst of energy at just the right moment.