Gareth Southgate says England have “given supporters some of the best nights in 50 years” after booking their place in a successive European Championship final.
A dramatic 90th-minute winner from substitute Ollie Watkins sealed a 2-1 win over the Netherlands as England came from behind to set up a final with Spain.
Southgate led England to their first final in 55 years when they lost to Italy in Euro 2020, but they hope to go one better this time around.
“I took the job to try to improve English football and we’re now in a second final. The last one was the first in over 50 years. We’re now in a first one oversees,” said Southgate.
“We’re giving people amazing nights. We’ve given our supporters some of the best nights in the last 50 years. I’m hugely proud of that.
“I’m delighted if everyone at home is feeling the way we are and the way those in the stadium were. But we’re not finished.
“We’ve got the greatest possible test to prepare for. We came here to try to win the tournament and that’s still our aim.”
Time to put us in history
Having suffered defeat against Italy at Wembley three years ago, England are determined not to come away empty handed this time.
Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham told BBC Radio 5 Live that the team have “lived to fight another day” as they attempt to become the first English men’s side since 1966 to win a major trophy.
“I am really proud of the boys. The reaction, attitude and mentality… Quality is one thing, but those characteristics you cannot learn in training – you get it from experience and each other,” he added.
“Now it is one more game. We are tired, it has been a long season, but is one last push for our country and for history.”
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, 19, has impressed in the knockout stages and became England’s youngest player to appear in the semi-finals of a major tournament.
“It is an indescribable feeling, we are all buzzing! It has been such a journey and we have built on old performances,” Mainoo told BBC Radio 5 Live. “The only way is up – time to put us in history.”
