England coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink ‘suddenly remembered he was Dutch’ after celebrating the Three Lions dramatic Euro 2024 semi-final win against Netherlands.
With extra time looming, Ollie Watkins came off the bench to score a sensational 90th minute winner for the Three Lions in Dortmund on Wednesday night, setting up a mouthwatering final against Spain on Sunday.
Former Leeds United and Chelsea star Hasselbaink has been part of Southgate’s backroom team since March 2023.
Watching on from the dugout, the 52-year-old found himself in the unusual situation of rooting against his own country having represented Netherlands at international level as a player.
But with focus solely on England last night, Hasselbaink was pictured among the celebrations as the England bench erupted when Watkins’ shot found the bottom corner.
Hasselbaink raced over to embrace Southgate and other members of England staff before quickly composing himself, with the team still needing to see out the remaining minutes of extra time.
The celebrations were brief with Southgate, Hasselbaink and other staff immediately preparing more substitutions with Ezri Konsa and Conor Gallagher thrown on to help their side hold on.
But the moment got plenty of laughs on social media with X user @MattyJHewitt writing alongside the clip: ‘Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink remembering he’s Dutch midway through the celebrations…’
@M_Football123 wrote: I’ve always wondered what it’s like to want the team you supported growing up to lose…it must be even more confusing when it comes to international games
@Whachazuck added: ‘Just gotta go with your emotions, he can celebrate for both and feel sorry for the loser after.’
Hasselbaink represented Netherlands at the 1998 World Cup, scoring nine times in his 23 international appearances.
England’s focus will now switch to Spain, who booked their place in the final with a 2-1 victory over France on Tuesday.
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