England are through to the finals of the Euros 2024 in what is quickly becoming “Trademark England” under Gareth Southgate.
Another comeback, powered by a late goal, saw them dispose of the Netherlands’ spirited effort to make their second-consecutive final.
Ollie Watkins’ effort in the 90th minute sent the English fans into delirium and it was another win for Southgate’s in-game management where his substitutions made the difference between a win and a loss.
A man who knows a thing or two about subs making their mark off the bench is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who made a career out of haunting tired defenders and plundering plenty of goals.
Upon seeing England score their late winner through substitute Watkins, assisted by another sub in Cole Palmer, the Norwegian had some cheeky words for his English former United teammate, Rio Ferdinand.
Solskjaer leaves Rio Ferdinand in stitches
As Ferdinand basked in another positive result for his country, he spotted Ole Gunnar Solskjaer out of the camera frame.
He quickly called the former United manager to appear on his channel FIVE and talked up England’s result. Solskjaer cheekily referenced the importance of subs, undoubtedly giving sly credit to his legacy in an extremely funny way.
When Ferdinand asked him to expand upon the result, Solskjaer said, “Put a sub on and he’ll get you the winner. That’s how it’s done!”.
Ferdinand caught on to that reference quickly and replied, “Made a career out of that, this guy!” for a funny exchange of wits between the United legends. Here’s the full video of the exchange which left Ferdinand laughing-
Southgate and the importance of subs
Southgate has come under a lot of pressure for his lack of exciting football and his accomplishments have been termed lucky often due to the strength of the opposition.
While both arguments have merit, it is also an undeniable fact that England have kept winning winnable games under him, which wasn’t a certainty under previous managers.
Most importantly, his in-game management, flexibility, and use of substitutions have often breathed life into lifeless performances and changed the course of the game.
Be it introducing Kobbie Mainoo as a starter after initially being on the bench, introducing Cole Palmer to go more direct, or getting Ollie Watkins in to change the dynamic of England’s attack, his subs have made a difference in every game.
Solskjaer will be particularly pleased with how Watkins has fared in all his appearances off the bench. He has constantly run in behind, dragged defenders, and become a nightmare for opponents who get used to Harry Kane’s style of play after some time.
Fans will be hoping for more of the same against England and if a sub makes the difference again vs Spain, Solskjaer might shout out their importance from the rooftops!