"A dream come true" - Rita Ora salutes England ahead of Euro 2024 final showdown against Spain
British music sensation Rita Ora has praised England after the team reached the final of UEFA Euro 2024 on Wednesday (July 10). They managed to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-final to book a place in Sunday's summit clash against Spain (July 14).
However, Gareth Southgate's team had to work hard and came from behind to win the match. It was Xavi Simons who opened the scoring for the Dutch in the seventh minute from a long-range effort that flew into the top corner.
Harry Kane was then awarded a much-debated penalty after Denzel Dumfries' attempted block made contact with the striker's follow-through. With VAR awarding a penalty and reversing the on-field call, Kane made good of the opportunity and found the net in the 18th minute.
Substitute Ollie Watkins made his minutes count and scored a 90th-minute winner through a low-driven shot from a tight angle. Speaking about The Three Lions, Ora said during the premiere of Descendants: The Rise Of Red (via Standard):
"I was watching on the way here in the car and can I just say that all the players, I don't know how old they are - like 12 or 21, I don't know the same thing - but the fact that they're killing it is a dream come true."
"Let's go, let's go. I'm so excited... I'll be watching."
England also made it to the final of Euro 2020 but lost 3-2 to Italy on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Gareth Southgate reacts to criticism after England's semi-final win vs Netherlands at Euro 2024
England managed to qualify for the Euro 2024 final by beating the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday. However, for most of the tournament, The Three Lions have been underwhelming to say the least.
This has led to increased pressure and criticism of the team's manager, Gareth Southgate. After the side secured a place in the final, the England boss said (via ESPN):
"We all want to be loved, right? When you are doing something for your country and you are proud Englishman, when you don't feel that back and all you read is criticism, it is hard. To be able to celebrate a second final is very, very special."
Southgate's contract with the national team comes to an end in Decemeber this year. A win in Euro 2024 could see him continue in the same capacity for the near future.