England are into the Euro 2024 final after beating the Netherlands – and Harry Maguire was left impressed by one Manchester City player in the 2-1 semi-final win.
Gareth Southgate has guided the Three Lions to another major tournament final, and there will now be a chance of redemption after the defeat to Italy three years ago.
After Xavi Simons had opened the scoring for the Dutch, Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot, before Ollie Watkins scored a last-gasp winner after coming off the bench.
It was an incredible moment, and fans now believe that football could be about to come home.
It will be a stern test against Spain. But England have been better in the last two games and with the quality of players they have, there is every chance.
Today, Harry Maguire gave credit to one Manchester City player after the win last night.
Harry Maguire sends message to John Stones after England beat the Netherlands to reach Euro 2024 final
England were a lot better last night against the Dutch, and there was a particular strong performance from Phil Foden.
He has had a lot of criticism at the Euros, some of it being unwarranted.
But he was very lively against the Netherlands and was very unlucky not to open his account, having one effort cleared off the line and one striking the post.
But City also had another strong performer in the night in John Stones, a player who has played every single minute out in Germany so far.
This was always going to be a big tournament for Stones, as the most experienced central defender in the squad.
Harry Maguire was unable to go to Germany due to injury, so this placed extra emphasis on Stones playing well for his country – and he has not let Southgate down.
He and Marc Guehi have been superb, and it was more of the same last night in Dortmund.
Today, Stones posted on Instagram to mark England’s progression to the final – and the man who likely would have partnered him in defence if not for his injury, Maguire, left a comment many will agree with.
Stones wrote: “We’re in another Euros final!!!! So so proud of everyone last night! Berlin here we come.”
Maguire replied with just three words – ‘What a player’.
Stones has stepped up
England have been nowhere near the level expected in this tournament, generally speaking. But Stones is one player who can hold his head high.
The Manchester City defender has helped England look fairly solid at the back, and that has been crucial while the forwards and midfielders have been misfiring.
If England do go on to lift the trophy on Sunday, then he and Guehi – who loves playing with the City man – deserve many plaudits.
Together, they have helped keep things fairly tight at the back and up to now, three Three Lions have actually only shipped four goals, which isn’t too bad.
He will have to be absolutely on it on Sunday though, with Spain’s attackers having seriously impressed out in Germany so far.
