After qualifying for the semi-finals following a 2-1 win over Turkey, the Flying Netherlands will face England and will try to take a step closer to a second European Championship title. The Netherlands v England match will kick off at 21:00 on 10 July at Signal Iduna Park.
Netherlands advance to European Championship semi-finals after tense game against Turkey
The Netherlands needed a break to get through their quarter-final against Turkey. Fortunately, they found one to win 2-1, thanks to an own goal from Mert Müldür (76′ OG). Stefan de Vrij (70′) had equalised for the Netherlands six minutes earlier with a powerful header. While Turkish captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu was in tears, the Netherlands were able to celebrate their first qualification for the semi-finals of the European Championship in two decades.
On Wednesday they will be looking to take another step towards a second European Championship title, the last one having been won in 1988. It will be a great night on Wednesday between two great nations – a historic night,” said Ronald Koeman. If we play the final, my preference is for Spain because we had France in the group.
But first we must prepare ourselves as best we can to play a good semi-final,” he added. This will be the Oranje’s fourth meeting with England in a major tournament. Meanwhile, the Netherlands have been eliminated in four of their five European Championship semi-finals.
A 4-2-3-1 with Memphis Depay in attack is expected.
England aim for back-to-back European Championship finals
Like the Netherlands, England needed a push in their quarter-final against Switzerland . Fortunately, they found one with a remarkable left-footed strike from Saka (80′) to earn a 1-1 draw before winning 5-3 on penalties. Gareth Southgate’s next task will be to put aside the Netherlands, whose confidence has steadily increased over the course of the tournament which both are a must win teams.
However, a torrid record against the Flying Dutchmen is unlikely to inspire confidence. England have won just one of their last nine meetings with the Netherlands (1W, 4D, 4P). This is England’s fourth appearance in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Championship. Having lost twice before reaching the final in the previous edition of the tournament, the Three Lions will be looking to secure a win and reach successive European finals.
A 3-4-2-1 formation with Harry Kane up front is expected. Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham could be deployed in support behind England’s record goalscorer Kane (65). Kobbie Mainoo is expected to retain his place in midfield after a remarkable performance against Switzerland. Marc Guehi is expected to return to the starting XI after being suspended for the quarter-final against Switzerland.
