'Gareth, we apologise!' Best of social media reaction from England's win

3 months ago 33

ARTICLE AD BOX

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

Image source, @LouisWheeldonNS

Image caption,

"Whatever I said, whatever I did, I didn't mean it"

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

Image source, @sophielevin11

Image caption,

Southgate drew a lot of criticism for his Kalvin Phillips comment

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

Image source, @heawood

Image caption,

High praise indeed

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.

This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Southgate's record

Image source, @ESPNFC

Image caption,

Southgate created a new record for a manager of the England men's team on Wednesday. The Lionesses won Euro 2022 and made the 2023 World Cup final.

Image source, @Football_Tweet

Image caption,

He has taken England deep into five different tournaments

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

Image source, @AdamCatterall

Image caption,

Praise where it's due

Image source, @StatsBomb

Image caption,

Watkins' goal was rated at 0.05xg - in other words, that means it would be expected to be scored about once in every 20 attempts

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'

This Instagram post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Instagram

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

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?

Image source, @adelefanuk

Image caption,

It was joy, rather than heartbreak, for Adele and other England fans

Singer Adele was one of the famous faces at the BVB Stadion Dortmund on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister tuned in

This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Newly elected Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made time in his schedule to watch Harry Kane's penalty., external

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, external - but warning: Turn the sound down!

This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on Twitter

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

The Killers nailed it

Image source, @thekillers

Image caption,

American band The Killers played at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday

Image source, @MrMKimber

Image caption,

Fans got to have their cake and eat 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

Image source, @RossKemp

Image caption,

Kemp had a message for the team

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?

Image source, @vittorioangelon

Image caption,

There is still debate over England's equaliser

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.