The second semi-final at EURO 2024 takes place on Wednesday evening in Dortmund as the Netherlands and England do battle to see who will have the privilege of facing Spain in Berlin for Sunday’s final.
By Nathan Evans
Both nations have faced similar frustrations during their respective campaigns, with Ronald Koeman’s side finishing third in Group C, while the Three Lions have been rather lacklustre from an attacking perspective – in contrast to how they looked on paper before the competition began.
But that all now goes out of the window as Signal Iduna Park hosts the latest clash between two footballing nations who have shared some notable past meetings. From Koeman’s antics during the pair’s famous 1994 World Cup qualification match to the Netherlands’ 3-1 extra time victory in their last head-to-head fixture during the UEFA Nations League finals, a new chapter will be written this midweek.
To say this semi-final is an intriguing affair would be an understatement. England would have been considered heavy favourites for this match from a pre-tournament perspective but given Gareth Southgate’s sides lack of cutting edge and in-game energy so far, the Dutch seem the side to beat on Wednesday.
But despite their limitations at this tournament in Germany, England have really built a resilience that has not been seen from them in a long, long time. A 95th minute Jude Bellingham equaliser against Slovakia in the Round of 16 highlighted that first, before Bukayo Saka managed the same feat versus Switzerland in last Saturday’s quarter-final.
The Three Lions even looked incredibly comfortable during the ensuing penalty shootout, dispatching all five of their spot kicks with absolute conviction, a far cry from prior competitions that have cost them so dearly.
Even despite that outcome, it’s clear to see that Southgate’s side will simply have to perform better during the 90 minutes to keep this talented Dutch outfit at bay. Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has looked excellent on the left wing at EURO 2024 to date, netting a joint competition-leading three goals, whilst his national and club teammate Virgil Van Dijk remains a rock in the backline.
Additionally, Xavi Simons remains more than capable of producing magic at the drop of a hat in midfield and in Denzel Dumfries, the Netherlands still possess one of Europe’s most potent attacking full backs.
As a result, expect England to remain in their back three shape, as seen against the Swiss in their quarter final victory, as they’ll try to suffocate the Dutch attack where possible. Then England fans will be hoping that their side can finally click and reach their full potential in order to qualify for a second successive final at the UEFA European Championships.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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