Considering all the negative comments they have been subjected to throughout the tournament it seems quite remarkable that England have actually made it to the Euro 2024 final. They have achieved this with a mixture of good fortune, battling spirit and a most timely goal courtesy of Ollie Watkins.
There couldn't have been a more deserving hero than the Aston Villa striker who has had to patiently sit on the bench for most of the tournament waiting for a chance to show what he could do. His speed and energy made an immediate impact and he delivered with a terrific goal.
Watkins said afterwards, "it's the best feeling ever... I've been ready. I've been waiting, sitting on the bench."
If Southgate keeps Watkins on the bench for the final, England fans will hope he is at least given a longer run out than a paltry 10 minutes he was given against the Dutch.
The English newspapers got into the spirit of things with the Times observing "Last gasp Watkins stunner silences Southgate haters." There were plenty of painful puns on Watkins name. The Guardian came up with "Ole, Ole, Ollie": while the Daily Express was one of several publications that went for "Wat a finish!" The Mirror reminded its readers England are "One game from history!"
The Dutch paper Sportwereld carried a full page photo of a Netherlands player with his head in his hands and the headline "This hurts".
The first half against the Netherlands was by far the best England had played all tournament. There was plenty of movement and a pleasing rhythm with Phil Foden back to his best.
England were helped by a contentious penalty decision by VAR after it was not given initially by the referee. It was poor use of VAR. Having said that, Harry Kane fired a perfect spot kick. The Dutch were furious about the penalty as was former England defender Gary Neville who called it an "absolutely disgraceful decision."
After the bright opening 45 minutes the second half was a disappointment as England ran out of ideas against the tight Dutch defence before Watkins saved the day. England will have to play better if they are to overcome Spain and Southgate knows this. "We have to be perfect," he said.
Spain's success against France was highlighted by the performance of 16-year-old Lamine Yamal becoming the youngest player to score in a Euro tournament. And what a beautiful goal it was, a left-footed curler from just outside the box. He incidentally celebrates his 17th birthday today.
Yamal's display rightly won accolades from the pundits. Alan Shearer called his performance "just incredible" while Gary Lineker said the goal "was the moment of the match if not the tournament."
Despite reaching the semi-finals it was a disappointing tournament for Didier Deschamps' French team considering their talented squad. They were hampered by star Kylian Mbappe suffering a broken nose in the opening game which affected his performances.
France weren't great to watch. They scored just four goals throughout the tournament and only one from open play, two own goals and a penalty.
Spain are favourites for tomorrow's final as they have looked impressive throughout the tournament. But you can't write England off especially if Lady Luck continues to shine on the Three Lions.