England and Netherlands will meet for the first time since 2019 in the semi-final of the Euro 2024. While the Three Lions will be looking for their second consecutive final in the Euro, the Dutch side will make sure that they will secure their position in the final of the Euro for the first time since 1988.
Previously these two sides have met 22 times and the Dutch side had a good record against the Three Lions. It will be a great game to watch, as both teams are filled with some of Europe’s best footballers.
Key Battles: England Vs Netherlands
So, there is no doubt that the game will give you a moment to experience for the football fans. There are some key battles between players that we can expect from this match. So, let’s have a look at some of the key battles that are important in this game.
Van Dijk v Harry Kane
The first major battle that we can expect is the battle of the captains. Netherlands captain defender Virgil Van Dijk is up against the England captain Harry Kane. Both know each other as both have played in the English Premier League.
England’s captain Kane is not at his best in this Euro, netting two goals in five matches for the three lions. The former Spurs forward is suffering from a back injury and struggled to give his best form.
Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk having a good campaign. The Dutch captain committed 12 fouls in this tournament and only showed yellow once. The 33-year-old has a pass complexion of close to 91% in this tournament. So, this will be a great battle to watch, when these two will meet.
Gakpo v Walker
Another Liverpool player, Cody Gakpo is also showing his class on the big stage. Gakpo scored three goals in this competition for the Netherlands and also provided an assist in the round of 16 against Romania.
Southgate will keep his faith in one of the most experienced players in the English camp, Kyle Walker. There is no match for Kyle Walker’s pace in the field. The 34-year-old still giving his best for his country. As Gakpo is playing in the left-wing position and Walker is maintaining the right side of the pitch for the three lions, this will be a great battle to watch.
Reijnders V Rice
Declan Rice is one of the players in the tournament who played every minute for his country. The Arsenal midfielder is trying to give his hundred percent, helping the England backline. Rice has covered almost 64 km on the pitch, the highest in this tournament.
Apart from Declann Rice for England, Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijenders also played every single match in this tournament for the Dutch side. The AC Milan midfielder continuously provided his best form for the Koeman’s side.
Saka v Ake
Bukayo Saka helped the Three Lions to reach the semi-final after his stunning striker from outside of the box in the quarter-final against Switzerland, before achieving the man of the match award. The 22-year-old has been playing in the right-wing side in this side except for the last match, where he played as a right wing-back against the wing-back against Switzerland.
So, this means that Nathan Ake of the Netherlands will face Saka. Both played against each other in the English Premier League previously.
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