‘Can he really go home?’: English press suddenly believe in Euro triumph under Southgate

Can it work for England at Euro 2024? That’s the question the BBC is asking out loud.

“Southgate is on the verge of glorious vindication,” commented the public broadcaster. “At Euro 2024, where he has been pelted with beer glasses and criticised, he offers the prospect of a place in history.”

“England were lucky at times, but when the fortunes favoured the brave, Southgate deserved it for the courage he showed. His substitutions raised eyebrows as they ultimately secured a dramatic win on a stormy night in Dortmund.”

“This means that Southgate’s England are one match away from ending the long so-called ‘pain years’ that followed Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 World Cup triumph,” he added.

Watkins’s image – with his arm around Marc Guehi – appears on the front page of the Guardian’s high-quality newspaper. “Dutch stunned. Watkins takes England to dreamland,” is the headline.

“The stadium just exploded. There was a huge wave of noise rolling in from the England side.”

The newspaper notes that “Southgate was questioned and insulted, but he reached the final.”

“The coach’s team are now playing in a second successive European Championship final, an extraordinary advance given England’s history.”

In The Independent, the win over the Dutch is seen as a key match for the English. Because the star player lived up to expectations.

“It was the night Phil Foden finally joined the Euro 2024 party, giving England the key to beating Spain in the final.”

“It was the performance the national team were waiting for, but for Phil Foden it was probably the opposition he needed.”

“For 45 minutes, one of the Premier League’s best players and the national team’s most capable footballer looked like a star with every step.”

With the best players of all time gradually regaining their best form, there will be plenty of dreaming in the days ahead.

“Is it really possible to… go home?” asked the Daily Mail, referring to the hit song “It’s Coming Home” that the English always play at every major tournament.

Faith is already there. The Daily Mail also encourages this in its images: “Dare to believe!” reads its text.

“England are set for the Euro 2024 final after a stunning win over Holland. National hero Ollie Watkins celebrates with his mum and girlfriend. Three Lions fans are recovering from the effects of alcohol after partying into the early hours!”

The Sun is known for its juicy and (slightly) exaggerated lines. Even after the semi-finals, it doesn’t disappoint.

“History, boys!” read the headline. “This England team has achieved what the boys failed to do after 1966, and is 90 minutes away from sporting immortality.”

“Less than four weeks after that opening game, Gareth Southgate made memories with a team that is now part of our national sporting history.”

“As the mastermind behind England’s run to the final, he had to shrug off a barrage of criticism from former players, overpaid pundits and a host of experts,” he said.

The L1 English advocates have been proven right (for now).