Gareth Southgate finally getting his well-deserved flowers

After Southgate's decisions paid off, he deservedly basked in the praise. Manchester United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville couldn't stop raving about his tactical decisions after the victory. 

"He's done a brilliant job from day one when you think about it," said Keane, via EuroSport. "He's created an environment for the players to go out and express themselves. He's made some big decisions before this tournament, people like [Jack] Grealish and [Marcus] Rashford, it raised an eyebrow when he made those decisions. But he's got to try and finish now. If he can get that trophy at the end of it, then it would be amazing for him."

Neville felt Southgate was unfairly maligned for some of his decisions in the early stages of Euro 2024, specifically his attacking formation that utilized Kane, Foden and Jude Bellingham. 

"It couldn't happen to a better man," Neville said. "Anyone who played with Gareth, worked with him, he's a brilliant person. He deserves it. Sometimes you don't get the reward you deserve for the way you carry yourself, but he's always been exemplary." 

Besides former players, the English media harshly criticized Southgate's strategic calls throughout the group stages. Ultimately, Southgate's men showed championship mettle in the quarterfinals and semifinals, becoming the first-ever team to win back-to-back Euro knockout games from behind. 

It's inarguable that England is in the middle of its golden era, with Southgate leading the charge.