England and Netherlands have set themselves on the path toward an incredible final. But what changes will Gareth Southgate make ahead of this crucial semi-final?
Harry Kane should not be dropped due to his poor form, but rather be given more leeway than in previous seasons. Bukayo Saka’s impressive showing against Switzerland should earn him more opportunities while Cole Palmer could replace Phil Foden. The Netherlands National Football Team vs England National Football Team lineups will be crucial in determining the impact these players have on the match.
England XI
England were heavy favorites to beat the Netherlands, boasting a stellar winning record against them. Unfortunately, however, England suffered two early setbacks at Euro 2024, losing their opening two matches against Slovenia and Denmark, leaving them with the least impressive record overall heading into their quarter-final match with Turkey – but an extraordinary comeback saw them advance, leaving just one match between them and a first major final on foreign soil!
Gareth Southgate has made changes to his side since their 2-2 draw with Switzerland, in particular sticking with a back three rather than switching back to four defenders. This should allow Phil Foden to use his talents more centrally instead of on the left; further improving his decision-making.
Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier should form an excellent four-man defence at Spurs this season, supported by Ezri Konsa. Luke Shaw has returned from injury and may retain his right-back spot; otherwise Kieran Trippier should step in if required on the left flank.
Trent Alexander-Arnold should form part of England’s midfield alongside Declan Rice. That trio have proven dangerous for England over their last two games and should add an important defensive component against the Dutch.
At the other end, Harry Kane will be hoping to score four goals during this tournament and cement his chances at the Golden Boot award – Wayne Rooney could also add some flair to the scoresheet with some fine strikes of his own!
Netherlands manager Virgil van Dijk will attempt to guide his side to victory in their second ever semi-final tie under his tenure, supported by attacking players such as Xavi Simons and Jerdy Schouten/Tijjani Reijnders.
Netherlands XI
Ronald Koeman will most likely employ his fluid 4-2-3-1 formation against England on Wednesday night at Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion, with Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar favored to start between the sticks for Koeman’s team who currently rank third in Group D after drawing with Italy 0-0 before beating Turkey 2-0 to advance.
Virgil van Dijk, the most-capped player in Dutch football history, and Borussia Dortmund fullback Denzel Dumfries form an iconic defense in Dutch football that allowed only four goals against them in seven matches to qualify for the semifinals of this tournament. Frenkie de Jong of Manchester United and Teun Koopmeiners of Borussia Dortmund both remain injured; Nathan Ake will start at left back instead, Memphis Depay is set as their primary striker while Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo will play an integral role.
Wout Weghorst will remain on the bench despite scoring against Turkey and providing two assists against Germany, expecting his chance to shine whenever his teammates need his attacking energy. The former Arsenal player may look for ways to have an impact when needed by the Dutch.
The Netherlands squad boasts great versatility, which was central to Ajax under Cruyff. He preferred an expansive 3-4-3 diamond formation that saw players such as Seedorf, Lenstra, Rensenbrink, Van Nistelrooy and Robben fill a variety of positions on the pitch.
The Polish have proven a formidable foe of many top European teams, such as the Netherlands. But their previous Euro Championship performance left much to be desired and Michal Probierz’s side will need to put up better performances against an impressive Netherlands side. Top scorer Robert Lewandowski and Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik both suffered injuries that keep them sidelined from participating. Wojciech Szczesny earned 82 caps during his time with Poland and will start between the posts while Piotr Zielinski and Lukasz Fabianczyk provide control of midfield duties before Lukasz Fabianczyk and Mikotoszynski provide additional attacking support from midfield to attack.
Netherlands vs. England Timeline
England and Netherlands meet at BVB Stadion Dortmund for an UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, with qualification to the final at stake. Gareth Southgate’s England advanced via penalty shootout victory against Switzerland while Ronald Koeman’s Oranje progressed following an intense quarter final clash against Turkey.
England are in search of their first major tournament final victory since defeating Italy at the 1966 World Cup, while Netherlands have never advanced past round two at any previous competition they entered. Both sides come into this game looking for success at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday evening; both parties can expect an exciting encounter at Signal Iduna Park!
The Three Lions have gone four games without defeat at this competition and look to make an important step toward reaching the pinnacle of world football with victory against La Oranje. Their last competitive meeting came at Euro 88 when Marco van Basten scored one of the greatest ever goals ever seen at any tournament when scoring 3-1 win for Oranje.
Southgate made seven changes for England’s win against Switzerland in his inaugural match as caretaker manager and saw them flourish. Jordan Pickford kept his spot between the posts, with Luke Shaw and John Stones starting alongside Kieran Trippier at centre-back; Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi were brought in as replacements for injured duo Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho; Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer replaced Harry Kane and Phil Foden respectively.
Both teams have engaged in some exciting battles at this tournament and it is easy to understand why this match-up is one of the marquee fixtures of Round 6. Defending champions have been in impressive form and should be favoured to progress, though Dutch shouldn’t be underestimated as formidable opponents.
Keep up to date with all the latest England vs Netherlands news and betting odds here, along with all key stats for this colossal matchup. Additionally, discover how you can watch this match live in your country using our handy guide here – the Opta Match Centre will bring all the crucial stats and facts pertaining to this crucial clash – such as full team/player reports, expected goals data, passing networks etc.
Netherlands vs. England Highlights
The Netherlands and England meet in Dortmund for the Euro 2024 semi-final, both hoping to reach a major tournament final for the first time since 1988. Ronald Koeman’s side had to come from behind against Turkey to defeat them 2-1 before Jordan Pickford saved all their penalties in their shootout victory. England have struggled throughout this tournament but sit on one win away from making history and finally winning one major tournament!
In the seventh minute, Xavi Simons gave the Dutch an early lead with an outstanding strike from deep within their own half, but England quickly responded with two great efforts from Phil Foden and Denzel Dumfries hitting crossbar with their shots respectively. Xavi’s strike proved too much for England to overcome as England took control quickly with shots by Phil Foden narrowly missing and Dumfries having his header hit off by Denzel Dumfries hitting crossbar again shortly thereafter.
At the start of the second half, both teams appear to be playing well but having difficulty breaking through. Van Dijk has had a superb tournament thus far and was close to saving Memphis Depay’s effort, while Koeman decided not to include Wout Weghorst as an attacker due to his recent impact as a sub. As such, this will likely result in his favoured formation consisting of two attacking players and two deeper midfielders on either flank, with Joey Gakpo playing more advanced on left flank.
Gareth Southgate’s substitutions begin to pay dividends as Gareth Southgate attempts to gain control of this game for his Three Lions side. Luke Shaw comes on in place of Fabian Delph who had to leave due to injury, getting good touches off long balls from Rice but being unable to bring them under control and it runs out for a throw-in.
Mainoo sneaks into the box on the left and has an opportunity to try his luck, but Bart Verbruggen is well positioned to intercept and prevent this attempt from succeeding.
As the Netherlands push for an equaliser, their attack is progressing well; Simons from their right is met by a low cross that hits him directly in the head; unfortunately for them though, Pickford made another great save against their former team-mate as their header went straight at him.
