FOOTBALL fans across south-east Essex are celebrating England reaching the final of Euro 2024.
A last gasp winner from Ollie Watkins secured Gareth Southgate's side a dramatic 2-1 win against Holland and a place in Sunday's final against Spain.
And supporters have been showing their joy all across the county.
Here’s how the Oakwood reacted to England’s win pic.twitter.com/qQDCjHgJkP
— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) July 10, 2024
Supporter Martin King said: "It was a great first half. Holland made it more difficult in the second half but it was a great goal to win it from Watkins. Spain won't be easy to beat but never say never."
Also looking like a great night at Meadowlark pic.twitter.com/2N3tLA8ie5
— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) July 10, 2024
Harry Kane’s spot-kick cancelled out a superb Xavi Simons opener before Watkins stepped off the bench and wrote his name into the history books by sealing a 2-1 triumph in the 90th minute.
No English men’s team has made it to a major final on foreign soil before and now they have the chance to become European champions for the first time this weekend.
Rayleigh Lawn Tennis Club celebrating England’s victory pic.twitter.com/2KKes6K0CV
— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) July 10, 2024
Southgate’s side played their best football of the tournament during a breathless first half in which Kane scored a contentious penalty after Simons struck an early blow.
England lost control but the bold decision to replace Phil Foden and Kane with Cole Palmer and Watkins paid off magnificently, with the former feeding the latter to turn and strike the momentous winner.
Blues fan Gareth Pummery has watched several of England's games live in Germany throughout the tournament.
And he cannot wait to also be in attendance for this weekend's final.
"I have been to hundreds of football matches up and down the UK and many different countries," said Pummery.
"I went to the last Euro semi final but being here in Germany beats that hands down.
Here’s how Heroes celebrated pic.twitter.com/AyJkmRar37
— Chris Phillips (@CJPhillips1982) July 10, 2024
"It's a fantastic venue, a fantastic atmosphere and a very good performance from England too.
"I’m lucky enough to have a ticket for the final as well which I am buzzing for."
Jason Jay, another Southend United fan, was also at the game and heaped praise on Southgate's side.
"It was fantastic and I'm so proud," said Jay.
"We saved our best performance for when it really mattered.
"We thoroughly deserved the win.
"The atmosphere was insanely good for the whole match and hope it came across well at home.
"I also loved the fact the players didn’t over celebrate at the end too, felt the mentality that there’s one more to go.
"Roll on Sunday."
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