Prem pair on the Pul
Nations League, Group A1 VIRGIL VAN DIJK scored a brilliant last-minute equaliser to send Holland through to the Nations League semi-finals.
The Liverpool centreback showed his all-round class to thunder in a volley that capped a thrilling fightback from Ronald Koeman’s side.
Koeman’s resurgent Oranje only needed a point to book their place in next June’s showpiece, but appeared to freeze in chilly Gelsenkirchen.
They were 2-0 down inside 20 minutes, Timo Werner opening the scoring then Leroy Sane doubling the home side’s advantage.
The Dutch piled on the pressure, but their hopes were fading until Quincy Promes gave them a lifeline five minutes from time.
The Sevilla star turned sharply on the edge of the box then curled in a shot that beat the despairing dive of Manuel Neuer.
Holland threw everyone forward, including skipper Van Dijk, and it paid off spectacularly in the final minute of regulation time.
It means Holland pip France to win their group on goal difference, with Germany already relegated. CHRISTIAN PULISIC is Premier League-bound – with Liverpool and Chelsea on alert.
But they must wait until June at the earliest to sign the £70million-rated American poster boy.
Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Pulisic has told team-mates his future lies in England.
Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc said: “We have known these rumours for many years.
“But we plan at least until the end of the season with Christian.”
Pulisic, 20, was the USA’s standout player in their 3-0 defeat by England at Wembley last week. GARETH SOUTHGATE has revealed England’s players have created their very own special club.
They play loud music, have a laugh and joke in an atmosphere a world away from previous strict England set-ups which made the players feel inhibited.
Even the night before the crunch game with Croatia, the players were larking about and having fun in their plush Hertfordshire hotel rather than worrying about the next day.
Southgate believes it has created a good buzz around the camp where new players are welcomed in, they enjoy reporting up and are no longer fretting about playing for their country.
The England boss said: “We want them to enjoy wearing the shirt. Any- time you go in the dressing room or walking around the hotel, on Saturday night before the game it was like a youth club. You can hear them laughing and joking and having fun and they’re relaxed. They’re enjoying being together and enjoying playing.
“When you see such young players and play with that expression and freedom that’s what we want to create. It’s not a case of what we say it’s how they feel about coming and being a part of it.
“When they feel the support of the fans, as well, that makes it extra special for them because it really means more.
“We’ve given the supporters some really good days and good nights which have been long overdue for everybody so that’s really pleasing so we’re certainly proud of the body of work we’ve put together over a 12-month period.”
It is the environment which Southgate has created which has made all the difference. Fabio Capello ruled with an iron fist, his rules were too strict to allow the players to have fun.
Sven Goran Eriksson’s reign was dominated by the big names and what they said went. He even used to consult David Beckham on what time the players should fly. Steve McClaren tried to be pally with the players while, in the Roy Hodgson era, the players were not even allowed to talk about their own darts tournament at Euro 2016.
Fast forward to the World Cup last summer and the players were playing darts with the media while Southgate has managed to maintain that spirit at every get-together at St George’s Park or at hotels. The togetherness in the group has also formed a bond and players look forward to call-ups whereas previously ‘diplomatic’ groin strains led to a raft of pull-outs and players wanting to save themselves for their clubs.
Southgate has been able to build a club spirit within the England set-up which was illustrated by players like Kyle Walker and John Stones larking about on the pitch after the Croatia win which booked their place at next summer’s Nations League semi-finals.
“The young players have been winning at world level, been winning at European level so they do have a slightly different feel and a different view of what’s possible,” said Southgate.
“What this year has shown us is you mustn’t be weighed down by previous