Ross Kemp led celebrity celebrations over England’s 2-1 victory against the Netherlands in a nail-biting semi-final which saw a last gasp goal from substitute Ollie Watkins secure the side’s place in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Three years on from losing the continental showpiece to Italy on penalties, Gareth Southgate‘s Euro 2020 runners-up earned another shot at glory in Berlin this weekend.
Former EastEnders star Kemp, who played Grant Mitchell in the soap and has become well known for his enthusiastic celebrations of England’s sporting successes, shared his joy in two videos on X.
In the first, in his England shirt, the 59-year-old actor said to the camera: “Ollie Watkins! You did it! We knew those changes would work. Gareth Southgate – genius! Genius!
“Ollie Watkins, we love you! We love you! We love you! We are in the final!”
In a second video post he added: “We can go all the way. We can beat Spain. We can beat any team on the planet. When we play together…. you England, are possibly the best team in the world.”
England manager Gareth Southgate celebrates after the semi-final win against the Netherlands. Pic: Reuters
TV presenter Piers Morgan wrote: “Brilliant win. Brilliant goal. Brilliant performance. Brilliant management. Congrats to England, and especially Ollie Watkins & Gareth Southgate. One game from immortality, lads – go bring it home.”
In a second post which included an image of the England manager, he added: “Chuffed for Southgate.
“We’ve all doubted him during this tournament, but he’s got us to another final, and I think we’re going to win on Sunday.”
Read more:
From non-league football to England hero: The rise of Ollie Watkins
England’s dramatic late win over the Netherlands – in pictures
Watkins’ goal sent the England fans at the BVB Stadion Dortmund in Germany wild – including singers Adele and Ed Sheeran, who could be spotted in the stands cheering the dramatic winner.
Adele at the match in Dortmund, Germany. Pic: DPA/AP
The 36-year-old Hello singer clasped her hands together nervously as she watched England skipper Harry Kane’s penalty cancel out Xavi Simons’ wonder strike to level the tie 1-1 in the first half.
Sheeran, could be seen celebrating the win a few rows in front of her, in a red England top.
Ed Sheeran in the stands at the game. Pic: AP
Wayne Lineker, Ibiza club owner and younger brother of former England striker Gary Lineker, shared a cheeky selfie with the Bad Habits singer on Instagram, saying: “Look who I’m sitting next to.”
A jubilant Olly Murs was pictured watching the game from BOX Park at Wembley in London alongside other England fans.
Olly Murs celebrates Harry Kane’s spot-kick at the BOX Park at Wembley in London. Pic: Reuters
English actress Kate Beckinsale celebrated by dancing to Three Lions with a dog.
The 50-year-old Underworld star posted a video of her celebrations on Instagram – sporting an England shirt with “Beckinsale 8” on the back.
Pic: Kate Beckinsale/Instagram
American rockers The Killers livestreamed the match during their gig at The O2 arena in Greenwich, London.
Videos posted online showed the band pause their concert so fans could watch the dying seconds of the match before white and red confetti banners exploded from the stage at the final whistle as they struck up Mr Brightside – their most successful single.
The city is already gearing up for the weekend’s final with Sadiq Khan, London mayor, announcing The O2 arena will be hosting “the capital’s largest screening” of the match.
Tickets for the event will be given away through a ballot which opens at 10am on Thursday on the City Hall website.
