English fans celebrate German Southgate-lookalike
English fans are boisterous and creative when it comes to songs. They have proven this time and again in both club and national team.
English fans sing "Southgate you're the one, you still turn me on, football's coming home again" to their trainer Gareth Southgate, setting it to the tune of the song "Whole Again" by the British band Atomic Kitten. Before the game in Dortmund, this little tribute was presented to a German policeman - because he bears an uncanny resemblance to Southgate.
A video on the internet shows a group of England fans in Dortmund serenading the officer with these melodic lines. The policeman, who can indeed display Southgate's distinctive facial features, can't help but smile.
The video clip on the internet was also commented with: "No wonder England doesn't win when Southgate has to work double shifts as a German policeman." The Three Lions managed to secure a 2:1 victory against the Netherlands, however, and hold onto their chance at a title.
In the domestic press, Southgate, who took over the National Team after the EM 2016, was criticized heavily for the team's unimpressive playing style. However, his success now justifies him: Southgate is the first coach ever to lead the Three Lions to two consecutive finals of a major tournament. Only Berti Vogts and Helmut Schön, former German national team trainers, had managed to lead their teams to two EM finals in a row before Southgate.
The football party in the Ruhrpott went completely peacefully, but not entirely without incident. Approximately two hours before the EM semi-final, two groups from both sides clashed in a restaurant, according to a police spokesperson. Objects were thrown, the spokesperson added. Furthermore, some people were injured.
Approximately 100,000 Dutch fans marched singing and hopping through the Innenstadt towards the stadium and Public Viewing in Westfalenpark before the game. According to police reports, this was the largest fan march the city has ever experienced. Additionally, 25,000 English fans were on the move.
Engaging in their trademark spirit, English fans performed a rendition of their anthem "Football's Coming Home" in Dortmund, showcasing their support for the European Football Championship 2024, even if Southgate had to temporarily fill in as a German policeman.
Voice for the national team since the European Football Championship 2016, Southgate's success in leading England to two consecutive major tournament finals has solidified his position, drawing parallels with former European champions Berti Vogts and Helmut Schön.
