EURO 2024 Semi-final: Team news, prediction, all details as Netherland take on England

England and the Netherlands are set to clash in a highly anticipated semi-final showdown in Euro 2024 on July 10th at BVB Stadion Dortmund.

Both teams have shown impressive  determination to reach this stage, and it is expected to be thrilling encounter.

England’s journey to the semis was marked by a nervy group stage, with two draws and a narrow win, followed by a thrilling last-minute goal by Jude Bellingham against Slovakia and a penalty shootout victory over Switzerland in the quarters.

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While the team’s talent is evident and progress is being made, England fans are anxious about enduring another nerve-wracking match with the stakes so high, hoping to avoid a repeat of the tense encounters that have characterized their campaign so far.

The Netherlands’ path to the semis hasn’t been straightforward either. After finishing third in their group, including a loss to Austria, they comfortably beat Romania but faced a tougher challenge against Turkey, coming from behind to win.

Despite being underdogs before the tournament, Ronald Koeman’s team has reached their first Euros semi-final in 20 years, benefiting from a more favorable draw alongside England. Now, the question remains: which team will capitalize on this opportunity and secure a spot in the final in Berlin?

For the second time in five years these two European heavyweights meet in a semi-final, with the Netherlands having triumphed 3-1 after extra time in a Nations League clash in 2019. It would come as no surprise to anybody if this highly-anticipated encounter went the distance once more; five of the last eight games between these teams have finished evel after 90 minutes.

This match promises to be a battle of contrasting styles, with England’s solidity and organization facing off against the Netherlands’ fluidity and attacking flair. The winner will secure a coveted spot in the Euro 2024 final, setting up a thrilling conclusion to the tournament against Spain or France.

The Netherlands have had the upper hand in recent encounters with England, with the Three Lions managing just one victory in their last nine meetings across all competitions. That solitary win came in a friendly match in Amsterdam in March 2018, with England edging it 1-0. The remaining eight matches have seen four draws and four Dutch wins.

ENGLAND VS NETHERLAND TEAM NEWS 

Koeman’s consistent lineup selection for the Netherlands’ knockout matches may come to an end, as he contemplates changes to spark his team. Bergwijn’s underwhelming performances on the right wing could lead to his replacement by Frimpong or Malen, who has shown promise with two goals in the tournament.

Additionally, Weghorst’s impressive appearances off the bench may earn him a starting role upfront. The Netherlands’ flexible 4-2-3-1 formation has featured Simons supporting Depay and Gakpo posing a threat from the left. Ake is expected to maintain his position at left-back, while Veerman hopes to break into the midfield lineup, potentially displacing Reijnders or Schouten.

England’s strategy under Southgate remains a topic of debate, particularly when the score is level or they’re ahead. Despite the much-hyped switch to a three-man defense against Switzerland, the change was minimal.

However, Luke Shaw’s return from injury could bring much-needed balance to the left side, potentially earning him a starting spot. Harry Kane is expected to recover from his cramp, but some fans still question his starting role due to recent underwhelming performances. Marc Guehi is available again after serving his one-game suspension and is likely to start, although Ezri Konsa impressed in his absence.

On the disciplinary front, both teams have a clean slate, with no suspensions and yellow cards reset, ensuring no player will miss the final due to accumulated bookings.

ENGLAND PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP: 

Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guéhi, Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw, Bellingham, Foden, Kane

NETHERLANDS PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP:

Verbruggen, Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Aké, Schouten, Simons, Reijnders, Malen, Depay, Gakpo

ENGLAND VS NETHERLAND TIME AND DATE 

Kick-off date is Wednesday July 10, 2024.

Kick-off time is 8:00PM (WAT)

Venue: Signal Iduna Park, BVB Stadion Dortmund

Referee: Felix Zwayer

Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert

ENGLAND VS NETHERLAND PREDICTION:

England’s superior experience in high-stakes games like this in recent years is a significant advantage, as acknowledged by Southgate after the Switzerland win.

The three lions defense has been solid, however they struggle to finish off opponents and appear vulnerable to counter-attacks when they finally take risks.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands have their own weaknesses, including a shabby defense, lack of midfield control, and inability to capitalize on scoring chances.

But, they pose threats through crosses, quick passing sequences, and long-range shots. Given these factors, a closely contested and potentially drawn-out match is likely, with England’s experience and quality hopefully proving decisive.

Prediction: England to win on penalties

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