The Netherlands and England will face each other on Wednesday for the privilege of setting up a meeting with Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Both teams have made the most of landing on the perceived weaker side of the bracket to make a run to the semi-finals, but now must lift their performance levels to take the next step and move within one match of Euro glory.
Will Cody Gakpo prevent Bukayo Saka from playing his own game?
Without Bukayo Saka, England likely would have exited Euro 2024 in the quarter-finals. Indeed, the Arsenal winger produced a moment of magic to draw England level against Switzerland and posed a threat throughout down the right side through his dribbling and willingness to drive at defenders one-on-one.
In Cody Gakpo, though, the Netherlands boast an attacker who will be just as dangerous on the same wing. Gareth Southgate’s decision to stick with a back three would put pressure on Saka to help out Kyle Walker and stop him from being isolated by Gakpo which in turn could limit the England winger’s effectiveness getting forward.
Midfield battle will focus on Kobbie Mainoo and Tijjani Reijnders
Kobbie Mainoo has given England some much-needed dynamism through the centre of the pitch at Euro 2024 and the same could be said of Tijjani Reijnders for the Netherlands. Both players will be tasked with carrying the ball through the lines on Wednesday, but which midfielder will fare better?
While Mainoo will have Declan Rice alongside him to provide security, Reijnders will have Jerdy Schouten. With neither team expected to truly open up, it will be on these two ball-carrying midfielders to create overloads and create pockets of space ahead of them. This will be a barometer of the Netherlands and England’s performance level during the match.
Would a fit again Luke Shaw change England’s balance as a team?
The left back position has been a constant point of discussion throughout England’s Euro 2024 campaign. That is because until recently The Three Lions didn’t have a fit and available left back with the right-footed Kieran Trippier filling in. Luke Shaw, however, could start against the Netherlands having come off the bench in the quarter-final.
Having Shaw – a natural left-footer – in the lineup from the start could give England better overall balance. This was apparent in the 32 minutes Shaw played against Switzerland when his overlapping runs provided greater options to Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze. His energy could help England exploit any space behind Denzel Dumfries.
How will England handle the physical threat of Wout Weghorst?
Wout Weghorst is frequently a social media punchline, but the 6ft 6” striker has made a serious impact for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. He changed the game off the bench against Türkiye in the quarter-final and gave the Dutch a much-needed focal point in their attacking line. Weghorst could start against England.
Marc Guehi and John Stones haven’t faced a physical threat at Euro 2024 like Weghorst whose movement inside the penalty area is better than most appreciate. Ronald Koeman might opt to start with Memphis Depay as his centre forward, but Weghorst will surely feature at some point. He gives the Netherlands a different dimension.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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