England’s quest to win Euro 2024 faces its toughest test in a semi-final showdown with the Netherlands tonight.
The Three Lions have toiled through the tournament thus far, edging nervously through the group stage with two draws and a narrow win, before a 95th-minute Jude Bellingham overhead kick was required to avoid going out against Slovakia before again coming from behind to take Switzerland to penalties in the quarter-finals.
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There have been signs of progress and the level of talent on the pitch is obvious but England fans will not fancy another 90 or 120 minutes of tightrope walking with a place in the final on the line.
However, the Dutch have not lit up the tournament either. Having finished third in their group after losing to Austria, they strolled past Romania in the last-16 but needed to come from behind to get the better of a spirited Turkey team on Saturday night.
Ronald Koeman’s team were not fancied to go all the way before the tournament yet are now in their first Euros semi-final for 20 years, as both they and England benefit from being on the ‘kinder’ side of the draw. The question is, who will take the final step to Berlin?
Date, kick-off time and venue
Netherlands vs England is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off today, Wednesday July 10, 2024.
The match will take place at BVB Stadion Dortmund.
Where to watch Netherlands vs England
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 6.30pm.
Live stream: Fans can also catch the contest live online for free via the ITVX app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from reporters Dan Kilpatrick and Malik Ouzia at the ground.
Netherlands vs England team news
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Foden, Bellingham; Kane
Netherlands XI:Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Depay
Netherlands vs England prediction
It is clear that England have more talent and experience in these games. Southgate himself talked that up after the win over Switzerland and it should count for a lot here.
While their defensive work has been stellar, they are simply not putting teams away up the other end and look vulnerable to counter-attacks when they finally do take risks.
But the Dutch are not without their issues, too. A bit slow and ponderous in defence, they’ve also lacked midfield control and a killer touch in attack. On the other hand, they can hurt you with crosses, quick interchanges on the ground and shots from distance.
Logically, you have to expect this to be a tight game that could well go the distance - and hope England’s know-how and quality pull them through.
England to win on penalties.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
England have only beaten the Oranje once in nine meetings since a 4-1 win at Euro 96. That’s also their only win in major tournaments, alongside a goalless draw at Italia 90 and the Netherlands winning 3-1 at the 1988 Euros.
Netherlands wins: 7
England wins: 6
Draws: 9
Netherlands vs England match odds
Netherlands to qualify: 11/10
England to qualify: 8/11
