England cannot say that they have been the best team of the tournament, but now they are on the verge of playing back-to-back European finals for the first time in their history. Gareth Southgate’s side face a Netherlands team in the semi-final, who are desperate to reach the Euros final for the first time since their 1988 triumph. On current form, this clash doesn’t guarantee a goal-fest, but with a place in the final within touching distance, both teams might be saving their best for the second Euro 2024 semi-final.
After two lifeless draws and a scrappy win in the group stages and a hard-fought extra-time victory against Slovakia, England faced a stern test in the quarter-finals. Unlike them, their opponents Switzerland had been a well-oiled machine in Germany. They boasted excellent team spirit, played some thrilling football, and looked the better side going into the clash. Breel Embolo thought he had snatched victory for the Nati with a 75th-minute strike, but Bukayo Saka produced a moment of magic just four minutes later to level the scores. The 2021 runners-up eventually emerged victorious on penalties.
Netherlands were blown away by a spirited Turkey side in the first half of their quarterfinal encounter. The Crescent-Stars deservingly took the lead in the 35th minute, when Samet Akaydin headed in a beautiful Arda Guler cross. Ronald Koeman’s men struggled to find a footing before the interval, but the momentum shifted in the second half. The introduction of Wout Weghorst breathed life into the Dutch offence and they managed to overturn the deficit. Turkey unleashed a full-on assault on the Netherlands rearguard in the dying minutes, but the Dutch wall held firm.
The Netherlands and England go head-to-head in a mouthwatering semi-final clash this Thursday, 11th July! Don’t miss the action at the iconic Signal Iduna Park, home to Borussia Dortmund, kicking off at 12:30 am IST.
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Netherlands Team Preview
Far from convincing in the group stages, the Netherlands slumped to a defeat against Austria and could only manage a drab draw with France. However, Ronald Koeman’s men have found their form just when it matters, bouncing back emphatically in the knockout phase.
The Netherlands snuck through their group in third place, but their true colours were on display in the knockout stages as they thumped Romania 3-0 in a convincing win.
Cody Gakpo’s 20th-minute strike in Munich broke the deadlock for the Dutch. Despite spurning a number of chances, second-half substitute Donyell Malen stepped up with a late brace to finally secure the win.
Now, Koeman sets his sights on replicating a feat from his playing days. As part of the squad that delivered the Netherlands’ only major men’s trophy – the 1988 European Championship – the former Barcelona boss is hungry to repeat that success, this time from the dugout 36 years later.
The Netherlands camp is buzzing with belief after their incredible victory against Turkey. With Xavi Simons best young player of the tournament, Weghorst delivering clutch moments as a super-sub, and Gakpo leading the Golden Boot race with two Man of the Match performances to his name, Netherlands fans have plenty of reasons to feel confident about their team’s title credentials.
Koeman has stuck with the same starting XI for both knockout games, but he will feel pressured to abandon his loyalty ahead of their meeting with Harry Kane and company.
Steven Bergwijn’s quiet performances on the right wing have put his starting spot in jeopardy. Both Jeremie Frimpong, a marauding right-back at Bayer Leverkusen, and Donyell Malen, the hero with a brace in the last-16, are pushing hard for his place.
Netherlands have deployed a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation, with Memphis Depay leading the line and Xavi Simons pulling the strings behind him. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo has been a constant menace down the left flank, so he is a nailed down starter as well.
Since the 2022 World Cup, only one European player has outscored Cody Gakpo across both major tournaments – France’s star forward, Kylian Mbappe, with nine goals to Gakpo’s impressive six.
Nathan Ake has been a solid presence at left back, so Micky van de Ven is expected to watch on from the bench once again. The midfield has been a place of concern for the Dutch, however. Tijjani Reijnders and Jerdy Schouten have been underwhelming in the middle of the park. Therefore, one of them might have to make room for Joey Veerman.
Predicted XI: Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Stefan De Vrij, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake; Joey Veerman, Tijjani Reijnders; Donyell Malen, Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo; Memphis Depay
England Team Preview
England were billed as one of the biggest contenders for the Euro 2024 title before the tournament started. Boasting a squad brimming with exceptional talent and a wealth of experience under Gareth Southgate in major tournaments, they looked the part.
But their pre-tournament swagger soon evaporated on the pitch. England’s lethargic style drew criticism, and doubts began to grow about their ability to challenge for the trophy.
England’s struggles have continued in the knockout stages. Facing elimination against Slovakia, a last-gasp bicycle kick from wonderkid Jude Bellingham forced extra time. Harry Kane then stepped up with a crucial goal to secure their quarter-final place.
The Three Lions arguably produced their best performance of the tournament against Switzerland. Switching to a back three added dynamism and fluidity against Murat Yakin’s well-organised Swiss side. However, they were still forced into extra time to secure victory, with Jordan Pickford’s crucial save from Manuel Akanji sending them through to the semi-finals.
There were some obvious signs of improvement in England’s performance following their switch to a three man defensive setup. However, they are not free-flowing by any means.
Bukayo Saka did an excellent job at left wing-back, but Luke Shaw’s late cameo in the Switzerland match indicates that the Manchester United fullback is finally ready to start.
Southgate has a decision to make regarding Saka and Shaw’s roles. If he chooses to retain the system, he could keep the lineup changed. Or, he could swap Saka for Shaw, which seems unlikely considering Saka’s man of the match performance against Switzerland. Or, Phil Foden might have to give up his position to Saka while Shaw comes in at the wingback position.
While Harry Kane is expected to shake off cramp and lead the line once again, whispers of dropping the captain linger after a string of subdued performances.
Marc Guehi had been one of the standout performers for England in their Euro 2024 campaign. Southgate, therefore, will be thrilled to get the Crystal Palace man back after he returns from serving a one-match suspension. Ezri Konsa did a commendable job deputising for Guehi, but he is likely to drop back to the bench.
Predicted XI: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Kieran Trippier, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham
Netherlands vs England Betting Odds
Netherlands 3.10 – 2.90 Draw – 3.60 England (Bet365)
Netherlands vs England Head-to-Head Stats
England and the Netherlands have a long history of tight encounters. Across 22 meetings, the Dutch have emerged victorious seven times, while England have won six. The rest have finished all square, highlighting the competitive nature of this fixture.
England’s form against their close North Sea neighbours has been patchy, with just two wins in their last ten encounters. However, their most recent meeting in the European championships was a resounding success – a 4-1 victory over the Netherlands at Euro 1996. Notably, current England manager Gareth Southgate was on the pitch that day.
Netherlands vs England Betting Tips and Predictions
While it cannot be denied that England have been nowhere their best in this tournament, we must also acknowledge that Southgate’s side have the edge in experience. They have played a World Cup semifinal and Euro final under Southgate, so this should be common territory for English players. This can’t be said for the current crop of Dutch players.
England have been solid defensively, but they have been underwhelming at the other end of the pitch. They failed to move the ball fast in the midfield and capitalise from swift counter-attacks. Southgate also needs to find a way to make his attackers more involved.
Netherland’s backline lacks pace and composure. Midfield control and a killer instinct in attack have also been absent. However, they still possess threats with dangerous crosses, quick passing combinations on the ground, and long-range efforts.
As things stand, this match seems destined for another draw in regulation and extra time. If the match goes on penalties and nerves come to play, England’s experience could prove crucial in securing a shootout victory.
