9 July 2024

Is it finally coming home? Or will the Dutch have the last word?

England face off against the Netherlands at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, tomorrow night at 9pm. The semi-final will be shown live on Showmax Premier League.

UEFA EUROs 2024 on Showmax Premier League — England fans with a sign that reads “It’s coming home” pose for photos outside the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024, round of 16 match between England and Slovakia. Picture date: Sunday June 30, 2024. (Photo by Bradley Collyer/PA Images via Getty Images)

The stage is set for a mouthwatering encounter in Dortmund, Germany, as England and Netherlands lock horns in a UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final clash on Wednesday night.

Both sides have navigated a challenging path to the last four, and victory here would propel them into the coveted EURO final on July 14th.

This encounter promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two contrasting styles, with England’s pragmatism facing off against the Netherlands’ free-flowing attack.

England: Can they find their scoring touch?

England’s journey to the semi-finals has been characterised by cautious optimism. Gareth Southgate’s men have displayed a resolute defensive solidity, conceding only two goals in the entire tournament.

However, their attacking play has been underwhelming, with captain Harry Kane, usually a prolific goal scorer, yet to find the net. The likes of Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham have shown flashes of brilliance, but overall, England’s offence has lacked fluidity and creativity.

The key for England will be to unlock their attacking potential. Southgate may opt for a slightly more attacking formation, potentially shifting to a 3-4-3 to accommodate an extra attacker alongside Foden and Kane. This formation could see Bukayo Saka come into the starting lineup, adding dynamism and unpredictability to the frontline.

However, maintaining defensive stability remains crucial. John Stones and Marc Guehi have been solid at the back, and Southgate will rely on their aerial prowess to deal with the Netherlands’ aerial threat.

Kyle Walker’s pace will be vital in containing the pacy Dutch wingers, while Declan Rice’s defensive work rate in midfield will be instrumental in disrupting Dutch attacks.

Netherlands: Attacking flair with defensive concerns

The Netherlands have been the tournament’s entertainers, showcasing some of the most exciting attacking football. Cody Gakpo, with his three goals, has been the star of the show, ably supported by the likes of Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons. Their attacking approach has been dynamic, utilising quick transitions and exploiting space behind opposing defenses.

However, the Dutch defence has been a cause for concern. They have often looked vulnerable on the counterattack.

Virgil van Dijk, their experienced leader, will need to be at his imperious best to marshal the defence and contain England’s attacking threats.

For coach Ronald Koeman, the challenge will be to find the right balance between attack and defence.

He may opt for a slightly more cautious approach against England, potentially deploying an extra defensive midfielder to provide better cover for the backline.

Key battles to watch

Harry Kane vs Virgil van Dijk

The battle between England’s talismanic striker and the Dutch defensive rock will be pivotal. Can Kane finally find his scoring touch against one of the world’s best defenders?

Phil Foden vs Denzel Dumfries

Foden’s creativity and dribbling skills will be crucial for unlocking the Dutch defence. He will need to find a way past the marauding runs of Dumfries, who is not only a threat defensively but also a potent attacking weapon for the Netherlands.

Declan Rice vs Jerdy Schouten

The midfield battle will be crucial to dictate the tempo of the game. Rice’s ability to break up play and win second balls will be crucial for England, while Schouten’s vision and passing will be key to controlling the game for the Dutch.

Prediction: a tight encounter

This match promises to be a tense and tactical affair. England’s defensive solidity will be a tough nut to crack for the Netherlands, and their potential change in formation could see them pose a greater attacking threat.

However, the Dutch attacking prowess and individual talent cannot be ignored.

Ultimately, England’s slight edge in experience and organisation could see them edge this encounter. A narrow 1-0 victory for England seems like a realistic possibility, but the Dutch should never be underestimated, and a thrilling encounter with a potential upset is definitely on the cards.

This semi-final promises to be a captivating clash of styles. Will England’s pragmatism triumph over the Netherlands’ attacking flair? The answer will be revealed on Wednesday night in Dortmund, as two European giants battle for a place in the Euro 2024 final.