Football fans in Coventry say the same about England’s chances of winning the Euros

While the sun wasn’t shining in Coventry, the behavior of the residents after England’s Euro semi-final victory would have fooled anyone. City center shoppers were out in full force after England’s 2-1 win over the Netherlands in their semi-final match on Wednesday.

The win came from a 90th minute goal from Ollie Watkins and with a place in the final secured against Spain, fans are bracing themselves for either a win like 1966 or a bitter disappointment like 2021. Coventry Live spoke to football fans from the city center on the historic victory after England made history by reaching back-to-back European Championship finals – and what England’s chances are of winning the final.

Martin and Patrick spoke to us outside The Flying Standard pub in Coventry. Speaking about his latest win, Martin said the atmosphere at his local community center was “crazy”. He told us: “It was up and down with that early goal but we knew we’d come back. We were over them in the first half. Second half, Southgate had to keep adjusting the team to get that work”.

Read more There’s no big screen in central Coventry for the Euro final – but pubs can stay open late

As for how we will fare on Sunday, Martin added: “Spain are a good side. Everyone is talking about them and it will be a tough game but I think we can win it.” He spoke highly of Southgate and described him as “the best manager since we won the World Cup”, adding: “We’ve always been a close team.

“We’ve been in the semi-final of a World Cup, we’ve reached the final or the Euros and we should have won that. We were too defensive but Gareth changed the tactic so I think we’ll go. .”

Near the cathedral, John Kelly was hurrying through town. After watching the home game last night, he called it “the best game of the tournament”.

He told us: “The first half was excellent. They tired a bit in the second half and Holland came into the game more but it was a great performance.

“I think Gareth Southgate is a decent man and he’s proving to be a good manager. He received a lot of criticism, but he created a strong bond in the team. They didn’t really impress in the group stage so I was a bit skeptical, but to reach the final is better than I expected.”

John said for him, Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker were outstanding players in this tournament. He plans to find a place to watch Sunday’s game.

“If we win, the mood will be really uplifting. I think it will be very celebrated, with a lot of relief and pride.”

On a bench below the Godiva clock, Sandra Oswin was taking a break from a shopping trip in town. He had watched the game the night before at home and had spoken well of Gareth Southgate.

“People put him down when things don’t go our way, but now everyone is saying we’re going to win. My son-in-law was very happy that the second goal was scored by an Aston Villa player.”

Sandra said she was unsure of England’s chances of making the final, with the likes of Jack Grealish ruled out. But she said she was impressed by younger selections such as Ollie Watkins and Jude Bellingham.

“Wouldn’t it be something if we won,” she added. “I think the mood in the country would be ecstatic.”

England play Spain in the Euro final on Sunday 14 July at 8pm.