Southgate says it was an immense performance to qualify at the expense of Die Mannschaft but has urged the Three Lions to refocus on their next adventure.
Coming into the game on the back of not beating Germany in any knockout match since their famous win in the 1966 World Cup final, England were given little chance against Joachim Low’s men but the Englishmen defied every odd to come out victorious.
Both teams failed to break the deadlock in the first half despite having a couple of chances but Raheem Sterling found the breakthrough with his third goal of the tournament on 75 minutes before Tottenham Hotspur superstar Harry Kane sealed England’s victory eleven minutes later.
"The players were immense, right the way through the team," Southgate said after seeing his side cheered to glory by 45,000 supporters. "The fans in the stadium were also incredible.
"I've been in here with a full house and not heard it near the levels heard today, but the energy was incredible in the stadium. To be able to send them home feeling as they do tonight... and you can't beat a bit of 'Sweet Caroline', that's a belter really!
"For those people, after such a difficult year at home, to have that enjoyment we've given them today was very special.
"It didn't need me to say it, but when we got in the dressing room we were talking about Saturday already. Today's been an immense performance but at a cost emotionally and physically. We need to make sure we recover well.
"It's a dangerous moment for us. We have a feeling round the country that we only have to turn up to win the thing now, but it's going to be an immense challenge from here on. The players' feet are on the ground, they should feel confident from the way they've played, but we came here with an intention and we've not achieved that yet.
"To see the second goal in was a really special moment. But we've not achieved what we want to achieve yet. We can look back on a day like this in the future, but I want to get my focus right and look ahead to Saturday."
