Euro 2024 semi-finals 2 preview: Netherlands v England

Referee: Felix Zwayer
Venue: Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund)
Time: 7 pm (Wednesday)

The Netherlands never looked like reaching the semi-finals after the 3-2 defeat against Austria as they looked wretched and dejected on the day.

They bounced back in a grand manner with a 3-0 mauling of Romania and continued with a 2-1 come back victory over Turkey in the quarter-finals.

Cody Gakpo is one of the best players of the tournament as his goals and overall performances has been incredible.

Memphis Depay who has immense experience is now finding his feet and it is a huge advantage to Ronaldo Koeman’s Orange. His cross was connected by De Vrij when Netherlands went down against Turkey to make the score 1-1.

Tijani Reijnders has been channeling his inner Frankie De Jong with the AC Milan midfielder spearheading Dutch midfield with a series of Grade A performances.

The Three Lions fought extremely hard as they needed to do against the super Swiss. Bukayo Saka’s strike from the edge of tbe box was very beautiful as it helped levelled the score 1-1 after Embolo had put Switzerland ahead.

England have not impressed many but they played far better in their 3 back system against Switzerland compared to their previous four games in the tournament.

Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice are becoming the perfect double pivot Southgate has been craving for. The partnership has esured flexibility and fluidity in the English midfield with the show against Freuler and Xhaka confirming it on Saturday.

Many have been calling for Kane to be replced by Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but Southgate trusts his skipper and he’s expected to lead the line. Luke Shaw might get his first start in 5 months in place of Trippier.

A tough contest is expected in Dortmund with both teams determined to reach the finals.

Netherlands Probable XI

4-3-3

Verbruggen

Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake

Shouten, Reijnders, Simons

Gakpo, Depay, Bergwijn

England Probable XI

3-4-2-1

Pickford

Walker, Guehi, Stones

Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw

Bellingham, Kane, Foden