New Delhi: The second semi-final in UEFA Euro 2024 will see Netherlands challenge England for a place in the finals. The Netherlands have arrived in the knockouts without consistent performance, but they have improved. They have played good football in the knockout stage. So far, England hasn’t performed as one would have expected from such a star-studded team.
The Netherlands have been Euro champions in the past century and have made three appearances in the semi-finals of the tournament, though they have never progressed beyond that stage. Ronald Koeman, the Dutch manager, has led his side to Wednesday’s clash after beating Turkey in Berlin.
In the quarter-finals, the Netherlands went into half-time trailing against a highly spirited Turkey 1-0. However, the Oranje team came in the second half with much more determination. After Stefan de Vrij scored the equaliser in the 70th minute, the Oranje sealed their place in the semi-final after Cody Gakpo forced an own goal from Mert Mulder.
Their group-stage fixture saw them win against Poland, draw with France, and lose 3-2 to Austria. Their last-16 tie against Romania was a cakewalk, and they eventually won the game 3-0.
England arrived for their third major tournament semi-final after their last four appearances, but they were on the brink of elimination throughout the tournament this time. Under Gareth Southgate, England have progressed in the backstages of both the World Cup and the Euro. To their credit, though, he has just one runners-up medal during his tenure.
The English team are playing in their fourth European Championship semi-final after beating Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Trailing Rossocrociati after a late Breel Embolo goal, England levelled in the 80th minute with Bukayo Saka’s goal. This forced the game into extra time, which was ultimately decided by spot kicks.
The Three Lions haven’t been the most impressive side in the group stage, with two draws and one solitary win. In the round of 16 against Slovakia, Jude Bellinghma’s bicycle kick sparked a fightback to manage a 2-1 win in extra time. In fact, their elimination stage performance is far from convincing. In Southgate’s 101st game, England will now try to become the sixth side to play in consecutive Euro finals.
Team News
Luke Shaw is the only specialist left-back in Gareth Southgate’s squad. The Manchester United defender missed the tournament’s first four games due to his recovery from a hamstring injury. He briefly appeared in the game against Switzerland and has now declared himself fit to start in the semi-finals. He is unlikely to do so, as both Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka are most likely to occupy either flank.
Marc Guehi was impressive at the start of the tournament but will now need to fight for his place against Exri Konsa in central defence as he returns from suspension. It is unclear whether it will be in a three or four-man rearguard or a mix of both. After suffering cramps, Harry Kane needed to be taken off the field during the quarter-finals. However, he seems fit to start against the Dutch side.
Netherlands have an important decision to make as the half-time introduction of Wout Weghorst helped Oranje take the game to their side. Koeman would like to partner the Burnley striker with Memphis Depay from the start. However, the success of Depay and Cody Gapko is irreplaceable. They have been involved in 63.5% of Oranje’s goal attempts this summer, individually or as a duo. They have been involved in six of their nine goals.
The Dutch team will likely stay with their starting XI, though right-winger Steven Bergwijn has been withdrawn at half-time during both knockout games, and Donyell Malen may replace him. Virgil van Dijk will captain his team from the central defence, while Xavi Simons will continue to play the link-up role in the Dutch attack. Jerdy Schouten and Tijjani Reijnders will stay active in the midfield area.
Head to Head
The two teams have a long and rich history of playing against each other. Both sides have been involved in nine draws, with Netherlands winning seven of their encounters and England winning six. The two sides have played quite a few crucial games against each other and are yet again playing for a place in the European Championship finals. In more recent years, England has often been upstaged by the Dutch side. While Netherlands have turned up for most of their knockout games, bringing their A game, England haven’t found the rhythm and will need their star bench to now fire as they close the gap between themselves and the trophy.
Predicted Lineups
Netherlands:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Depay
England:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Bellingham, Foden; Kane
When, where and how to watch the Netherlands vs England match in India?
The Netherlands vs France UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 pm IST tonight.
As both sides look to book a seat for the UEFA Euro 2024 finals, Netherlands will come into the draw as a team who is functioning well while England are yet to fire in this tournament. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
