Ollie Watkins take a bow! Pretty much his only contribution to the game coming off the bench and it's a nailed on all-time classic England goal scored dead on 90 mins. Fantastic scenes!
England managed that game perfectly. No team can play brilliantly for the full 90 at international level. Excellent first half, could've been a bit nippier. Sat in as Netherlands pressed without letting them get too much on it. Southgate made the right subs at the right time. Kane might not be what he can be, but he does tire out CBs leaving good space for subs.
This whole tournament I've been praising my status as a lower league fan. Those of the top 6 expect to win well regularly, and if they have an off day they could get beat. We're more than used to find the joy in nicking a scrappy win. Tournaments are about moments and winning. England were pretty rancid for much of Euro 96 and Italia 90, but no one remembers that. We remember Gazza's v Scotland, Platt's volley, and now Bellingham, Watkins, penalties and, hopefully, beating Spain.
Shit. Ronald Koeman has just gone up in my estimation. Hated him in the 90's but was just very magnanimous in defeat when I think he could be quite rightly aggrieved with that Pen
Genuinely thought he got that spot on. Toney probably more deserving but it needed a goal scorer not someone to distupt, we were creating half chances. Praise where due.
If you can't see this is the most likeable bunch of players we've had in our lifetime and get behind them and enjoy their success I genuinely feel sorry for you
Watkins is one of those players that is not flashy but his stats and goals show he does the business. Week in week out. Just scores goals. Kane was too predictable last night as he has been all tournament, Watkins is the kind of player (like Palmer) who will worry teams far more as he is so single minded in his drive to score - something we lacked in the second half when we were so reluctant to shoot.
Anyone else remember a game at Exeter when Wheeler, Reuben Reid and Ollie Watkins (off the bench) played against a Wycombe team with Will De Havilland and Max Mueller at CB. Surely the ref should have been allowed to stop the game early to avoid further punishment....
Did you see Ramsdale (I think it was) celebrating just on the edge of the technical area when Bellingham brought a cheap free kick in the last 30 seconds or so? It was like Jude had just scored a third.
Comments
Never doubted!
Ollie Watkins take a bow! Pretty much his only contribution to the game coming off the bench and it's a nailed on all-time classic England goal scored dead on 90 mins. Fantastic scenes!
I suppose if we can get to 75 minutes level with Spain and bring on the super subs. Seems to help if we go behind.
So Spain 2 England 0 at the half should be about right.
If you can get to extra time they'll have to take Yamal off, as children aren't allowed to work at night under German labour laws.
One Sir Gareth to another:
https://x.com/skysportsnews/status/1811141930215997926?s=46&t=MXj_dXc6l_z44oHP077XZQ
England managed that game perfectly. No team can play brilliantly for the full 90 at international level. Excellent first half, could've been a bit nippier. Sat in as Netherlands pressed without letting them get too much on it. Southgate made the right subs at the right time. Kane might not be what he can be, but he does tire out CBs leaving good space for subs.
This whole tournament I've been praising my status as a lower league fan. Those of the top 6 expect to win well regularly, and if they have an off day they could get beat. We're more than used to find the joy in nicking a scrappy win. Tournaments are about moments and winning. England were pretty rancid for much of Euro 96 and Italia 90, but no one remembers that. We remember Gazza's v Scotland, Platt's volley, and now Bellingham, Watkins, penalties and, hopefully, beating Spain.
I know its been said before, but listening to him speak in the interview this evening, HOW is Bellingham still only just 21?
He'll be the next England Captain.
We must start with Watkins and Shaw for the final.
Shit. Ronald Koeman has just gone up in my estimation. Hated him in the 90's but was just very magnanimous in defeat when I think he could be quite rightly aggrieved with that Pen
Genuinely thought he got that spot on. Toney probably more deserving but it needed a goal scorer not someone to distupt, we were creating half chances. Praise where due.
Absolutely amazing scenes
If you can't see this is the most likeable bunch of players we've had in our lifetime and get behind them and enjoy their success I genuinely feel sorry for you
Well done England
David Wheeler interviewed on Today on Radio 4 just now, to talk about Ollie Watkins.
Watkins is one of those players that is not flashy but his stats and goals show he does the business. Week in week out. Just scores goals. Kane was too predictable last night as he has been all tournament, Watkins is the kind of player (like Palmer) who will worry teams far more as he is so single minded in his drive to score - something we lacked in the second half when we were so reluctant to shoot.
Anyone else remember a game at Exeter when Wheeler, Reuben Reid and Ollie Watkins (off the bench) played against a Wycombe team with Will De Havilland and Max Mueller at CB. Surely the ref should have been allowed to stop the game early to avoid further punishment....
What a moment that was! I can't remember the last time I left a game with a smile that big.
Ollie Watkins, you fucking legend!
When he received the ball you assumed he'd hold it and try and play someone else in.
To turn and smash that shot in was an incredible finish.
Love how far the subs are onto the pitch already here!
The joy on Ollie Watkins face as he celebrated was rather heart-warming wasn't it.
It was wonderful. In that moment he was a kid on the playground again, playing football for the love of the game. He was all of us.
Imagine not liking football.
Indeed. Compare and contrast with Ronaldo's celebration when he scored in their penalty shootout. Smug little shit.
I've thought about it at length and I think I'm making that my second favourite goal ever, behind Roy Essandoh.
@Glenactico are you going to the final?
Easter v a first time round Mourinho Chelsea has to be high on the list for pure joy in a rare sell out home crowd.
Paul McCarthey deep into extra time the round before Essandoh - that was pretty f-ing great too.
Yeh. We're still in Duisburg at the moment. Took an absolute age to get away last night. We're taking the train to Berlin Sat morning.
Fancied quoting my own for when everyone hated Southgate just 10 days ago
Fancied quoting my own for when everyone hated Southgate just 10 days ago
This was a very good shout!
Could the ref have been a killjoy and booked every player for entering the field of play?
Did you see Ramsdale (I think it was) celebrating just on the edge of the technical area when Bellingham brought a cheap free kick in the last 30 seconds or so? It was like Jude had just scored a third.