England vs. Netherlands: EURO 2024 Semi-Final PreviewEngland vs. Netherlands: EURO 2024 Semi-Final Preview England, the tournament favorites, will face an unexpected hurdle in the Netherlands as they aim to reach the final. The Dutch have been a consistent force throughout the competition, while England has displayed moments of brilliance but also struggled to maintain their quality for an entire match. England’s Narrow Escapes Despite being labeled as favorites, England has repeatedly escaped elimination in the knockout stages. Against Slovakia in the round of 16, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored in stoppage and extra time, respectively. In the quarter-finals, Bukayo Saka’s equalizer in the 80th minute forced a penalty shootout against Switzerland, which England eventually won. Netherlands’ Dominant Performances In contrast to England’s narrow victories, the Netherlands has looked impressive throughout the tournament. Cody Gakpo is tied for the Golden Boot race with three goals, and his teammate Donyell Malen is just behind with two. The Dutch have also showcased their attacking prowess with a dominant display and explosive performances. Match Details * Kick-off: 3:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, July 10 * Stadium: Westfalenstadion, Dortmund * How to Watch on TV, Stream in the US: Fox Sport Dutch National Team Focus * Xavi Simons has provided three assists for Gakpo’s goals. * Denzel Dumfries provides width and pace to the wings as a right-back. * Micky van de Ven has made crucial late-game defensive contributions. English National Team Focus * Marc Guehi is expected to return to the starting lineup alongside John Stones. * Kobbie Mainoo has started the last two games in midfield. * The decision remains whether Kieran Trippier or Luke Shaw will start at left-back. Prediction Despite England’s recent struggles, their resilience and individual brilliance may prove too much for the Netherlands. The Three Lions have the experience and quality to overcome their inconsistencies and reach the final. Predicted Score: Netherlands 1-2 England
England entered EURO 2024 as favourites and were set to reach the semi-finals, where they will face the Netherlands, who were under the radar before the tournament but have been one of the most consistent teams since the start.
( MORE: EURO 2024 schedule, bracket )
The one constant for England has been a narrow escape from the knockout stages and constant criticism from around the world, as Gareth Southgate’s side are five games into EURO 2024 and have yet to produce a 90-minute performance to match their incredible quality and depth. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored in the final minute of injury time and the first minute of extra time respectively to edge past Slovakia in the round of 16, before Bukayo Saka scored an 80th-minute equaliser to help England reach the penalty shootout and beat Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
On the one hand, the Netherlands have yet to play a giant in the knockout rounds, having beaten Romania and Turkey to reach the semi-finals. On the other hand, England haven’t done that either, and the Dutch have at least looked dominant and explosive at one point in this tournament. Cody Gakpo is tied with three other players in the race for the Golden Boot, but is the only one with three goals still playing. Team-mate Donyell Malen, alongside Bellingham and Kane for England, is just behind Gakpo with two goals.
How to watch Netherlands vs Englandstream link and start time
Kick-off: 3:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday (July 10)
Stadium: Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
How to Watch on TV, Stream in the US: Fox Sport
Dutch national team news, focus
Xavi Simons, 21, set up two of Gakpo’s three goals and has three assists in total at EURO 2024. Manchester City’s Nathan Ake assisted Gakpo’s other at left-back, but it’s Denzel Dumfries at right-back who continues to provide the width (and pace) to the wings. Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven is a frequent late-game safety sub for Ronald Koeman’s side and made an incredible block to deny Turkey a stoppage-time equaliser in the quarter-finals.
English team news, focus
Marc Guehi is expected to regain his starting place alongside John Stones after being suspended against Switzerland for accumulating yellow cards, although there is still some mystery over a three- or four-man defensive line. Kobbie Mainoo started for the second straight game alongside Declan Rice in midfield (Trent Alexander-Arnold started the first two games before Connor Gallagher got his chance in the group stage finale against Slovenia). From there, the only other question is whether Kieran Trippier remains at left-back or Southgate takes a gamble and selects Luke Shaw, who played 42 minutes on Saturday after being out injured since February.
Netherlands vs England prediction
In their worst and most desperate moments of this tournament, it was three of England’s brightest stars who rose to the occasion and saved the day. They will be lifted by it and it will be a back-to-back appearance in the European Champions’ final for the Three Lions. Netherlands 1-2 England.
