'Gareth, we apologise!' Best of social media reaction from England's win
Reaching the final of Euro 2024 after a much brighter performance against the Netherlands has led many fans to apologise to England boss Gareth Southgate
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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
"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
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
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.
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Southgate's record
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.
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
Praise where it's due
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'
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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?
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
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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!
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The Killers nailed it
American band The Killers played at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday
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
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?
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.
A new allegiance was formed between Scotland and Spain
Some Scottish fans are hoping Spain don't let them down
Scottish MP Stephen Flynn implored Spain midfielder Rodri to keep Scotland's neighbours away the trophy.
Scotland famously beat Spain 2-0 during qualifiers in March last year, after which Rodri complained about the pitch.
Final message from Southgate himself - he just wants to be loved
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