Gareth Southgate has silenced critics following what he labels as his greatest achievement in his tenure as England manager.
England cemented its spot in the final after defeating the Netherlands 2-1 on Thursday (AEST), with substitute Ollie Watkins emerging as the unlikely hero of the match by scoring a late winner.
In their third consecutive game, England were forced to recover from a 1-nil deficit after Xavi Simons found the net in the seventh minute.
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England has been among the favourites to go all the way in Germany, with the Three Lions set to play back-to-back Euro finals. The achievement was inconceivable prior to Southgate's introduction.
The manager has been criticised for his failure to inject power from his bench into the game despite the immense depth of talent he has awaiting.
But Southgate's men got their much-anticipated result in what the star manager believes was "the best" performance the side has pulled off.
"It has to be the best," said Southgate.
"It's another landmark but we played well throughout the game. It was complicated.
"I thought the quality of their performance was outstanding. The fact that two of the substitutes combined just shows the spirit that they have as a group.
"They've moulded brilliantly over the last six weeks. None of them have dropped their heads. They've all been ready for their moment when it's come along.
"For me, it's the mentality of the players who were all ready to deliver and contribute to the whole tournament. That's the bit that pleased me the most."
The 53-year-old made two changes in the final 15 minutes of the match, including goal scorer Ollie Watkins, who replaced captain Harry Kane.
"We felt that we needed some more legs out the front," Southgate said.
"Harry (Kane) had taken a knock when we won the penalty in the first half. (We) know that Ollie can press a little better and that he would make those runs that (would be) a problem for defenders early in a game."
Former England star Alan Shearer, who has been critical of Southgate's tactics throughout the tournament, said Thursday's late changes were "perfect".
"At times, yes Gareth Southgate has been criticised," he said on BBC Radio.
"But in that first half, I thought it was magnificent. It was more like what we wanted – he deserves all the credit."
England fans erupted across Dortmund – despite early altercations prior to the match – with fans back at home including the King of England sending their best wishes and praise to the team.
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The Royal Family released a statement urging the national team to avoid "penalty dramas" and "late wonder goals" in the final, claiming it is causing the nation too much stress.
"My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the U.E.F.A. European Championship – and in sending our very best wishes for Monday's (AEST) match," King Charles' statement said.
"If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation's collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!
"Good luck, England."
Southgate defended the late dramatics of his team before declaring he hopes fans at home are "enjoying a few beers".
"If you look at the numbers. It was like we were playing away but it wasn't like that with the noise," he said.
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"These games have been dramatic because the goals have come so late.
"The only reason I did the job when I took it on was to try and bring success to the nation. And to try improve English football.
"To be able to take the team to the first final overseas is (something) I'm immensely proud of.
"We've come here to win. That's what we came for. It's an incredibly tough game [on Monday]. We play the best team in the tournament so far. We have a day less to prepare which is a huge task. But we're here still. We are fighting."
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