England and the Netherlandstwo European football powers that are not following expectations in the Euro 2024 They will meet in Dortmund for a place in the final. The ‘Three Lions’, who marched to the cornfield, against ‘Oranje’, who show a reformed path.
Along with France, England She is the perfect candidate not to be dazzled in the Euros by the level of her team. Unlike the ‘bleus’, Gareth Southgate’s team have not shown the flexibility to avoid conceding goals as both in the round of 16 and in the quarter finals they had to fight with the score against them.
Netherlands, For his part, he entered the Euros a step below the main figures and his irregularity in the group was a sign, being ranked as one of the best third parties. But it was in the head-to-head rounds where he showed a versatility that could mean English Kryptonite.
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England They barely beat Serbia (1-0) at the end of the regulation 90 minutes. In the first round they tied with Denmark (1-1) and Slovenia (0-0), in the round of 16 they went into extra time with Slovakia (2-1) after being on the verge of elimination and against the Switzerland (1. -1, 5 -3 after penalties) penalties were necessary.
A balance between conservatism and the inability to accelerate, those of South Gate They show themselves with doubt, expressing anxiety that arises on the bench and suffering to reach the talent that surrounds them. Despite all this, the coach has been backed by taking his squad to the semi-finals for the third time in the last four competitions he has played in, something that was impossible for England a couple of decades ago.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane They are the stars of the team, both of them with two goals, although they are far from showing their true value at national team level and without all their scoring element. In matters of debt Phil Foden can also be added.
Therefore, the aggressive depth route against Switzerland fell on the right sector with Bukayo Saka. The Arsenal winger characterized himself by slowing down and having the ball, which encouraged his opponents to collapse on him and exploit the spaces on the wing.
With Saka as an attack beacon, it would be Nathan Oak his main obstacle, although the system developed by Koeman could lead Cody Gakpo to cooperate with the Manchester City defender. Yes England Playing with three goalkeepers and two long fullbacks, Bukayo could find the attacks of the Dutchman, who also participates in the attack.
Denzel Dumfries, the guarantee of the Netherlands on the rightSource: AFP
Denzel Dumfries, right consistency
Netherlands progress gradually. After a discreet group stage, with a win, a draw and a loss, they stood on the accelerator against Romania (3-0) and came back against Turkey (2-1).
The ‘Oranje’ left an impression that they had gone up throughout the Euro Cup and created chances with ease, two advantages that their next rival does not have. In Koeman’s proposal, the flexibility they show is crucial Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay. The Liverpool player has troubled rivals with his ability to influence and finish, with three goals so far in the competition.
While England have barely given Switzerland a glimpse, the Netherlands have a well-known path on the right side of the all-rounders Denzel Dumfrieswhich Ronald Koeman has created a case for as his daily life at Inter Milan, to the point that the team often adapts to his departure.
Against Turkey he was joined in that sector by Steven Bergwijn, whose mission it was to move in to attract, leaving the way for Dumfries to attack again and again.
The possible return of Luke Shaw he could bring balance back to England’s rearguard, although Dumfries’ quick style could test his lack of game pace. Southgate, however, keeps the card of Kieran Trippier, who has been defending that area firmly.