Spooky Express previews Wednesday's Euro 2024 semi-final between Netherlands and England, including the latest team news, possible starting lineups, and predictions.
A thrilling clash in Dortmund will determine which team progresses to Sunday's final, where Spain awaits following their impressive comeback win over France on Tuesday.
Ronald Koeman's Orange Army will be looking to stop Gareth Southgate's England when the nations face their first major meeting since Euro 96.
Of course, we don't want to underestimate the semi-final match at the UEFA Nations League in 2019, but let's face it - the tournament is nowhere near the importance of the European Championships.
Ronald Koeman's Netherlands beat Gareth Southgate's England 3-1 in the inaugural edition of the UEFA Nations League during his first tenure. Marcus Rashford's first-half penalty opened the scoring, but Matthijs de Ligt's second-half equalizer sent the match into extra time.
Kyle Walker and Quincy Promes' own goal made a difference for Oranje.
Overall, England have won just one of their last nine matches against the Netherlands (four losses and four draws), even though all but one of them were friendlies. However, the Three Lions will remember a massive 4-1 victory over the Dutch side at Euro 96.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, have fond memories of their 3-1 victory over England on German soil at Euro 88, when Ronald Koeman was a key player in Rinus Michels' tournament-winning squad, and Marco van Basten's hat-trick knocked England out of the competition.
In the wake of their first European Championship quarter-final victory since 2004 (when they beat Sweden on penalties), the Oranje are bidding to go one step further and reach their second-ever final-36 years after they once again did it on German soil.
Under Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands secured their first Euro semi-final berth since 2004 by defeating Turkey in a comeback victory at Berlin's Olympiastadion. Trailing by a goal, Stefan de Vrij equalized before Cody Gakpo's persistent threat led to Mert Muldur's own goal, sealing their place in the final four.
The Dutch aim for their second European Championship title, having won their first in Germany 36 years ago. Despite a rocky group stage, where they finished third after a win over Poland, a draw with France, and a spectacular loss to Austria, they dominated Romania in the last-16 with a 3-0 victory.
The Netherlands will rely heavily on the experience of Virgil van Dijk and the attacking prowess of Cody Gakpo. With a balanced squad blending youth and experience, Koeman's team is poised to challenge England's ambitions.
The squad is led by captain Virgil van Dijk, who recently celebrated his 33rd birthday. They seek to overcome their poor record in the European semi-finals, having lost four of their previous five.
Koeman faces a key decision up front. The introduction of Wout Weghorst at halftime against Turkey was pivotal, and the Dutch boss may consider starting him alongside Memphis Depay. However, Weghorst might also continue as a super-sub.
Depay and Cody Gakpo have been involved in 63.5% of the Netherlands' attempts, contributing to six of their nine goals. Thus, Depay (17 shots, 10 chances created) and Gakpo (13 shots, 11 chances created) are the only players in Euro 2024 to be in double figures for both shots and chances.
So, will Ronald Koeman suddenly come up with a surprisingly successful inclusion into his starting lineup? Doubt so. Still, Steven Bergwijn's position is under serious threat from Donyell Malen due to Bergwijn being subbed off at halftime in both knockout rounds.
England has been playing with fear at Euro 2024, but they are into the semi-finals, and Gareth Southgate's men don't want to miss out on another opportunity. They will need captain Harry Kane to stand up and inspire his teammates.
After nervously navigating the initial knockout rounds, England will face the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Wednesday. This encounter marks England's quest for back-to-back European Championship finals appearances.
Overall, Gareth Southgate's men have reached the semi-finals in three of their last four major tournaments, yet a major trophy has eluded them.
Despite an unconvincing group stage and needing a remarkable strike from Jude Bellingham to rally against Slovakia in the round of 16, Gareth Southgate's team continues to progress. Southgate's 101st game as England manager presents an opportunity to join an elite group of teams that have reached consecutive Euro finals. However, history is only partially on their side, as they have won only one of their last nine meetings with the Netherlands.
In the quarter-finals, the Three Lions narrowly overcame Switzerland. Trailing to a late goal by Breel Embolo in Dusseldorf, Bukayo Saka's dramatic equalizer forced extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. England's flawless execution from the spot and a crucial save by Jordan Pickford from Manuel Akanji saw them through.
England's lineup has been largely consistent, though tactical adjustments might cause changes. Bukayo Saka, fresh off his crucial goal, is expected to play a significant role, while Jude Bellingham's form remains pivotal.
England's defense, anchored by Jordan Pickford, will be crucial against a potent Dutch attack. Marc Guehi, back from suspension, will compete with Ezri Konsa for a central defense spot. It's unclear if Southgate will opt for a three or four-person defense or a hybrid setup.
Manchester United's left-back Luke Shaw, who missed the first four Euro 2024 matches due to a hamstring injury, is now ready to start after a brief appearance against Switzerland. Despite Shaw's availability, Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka are expected to continue occupying the flanks.
Can the Netherlands stop a star-studded England side? England's history against the Netherlands has often ended in disappointment, with a win rate of just 27% against them, second only to their record against Brazil among teams faced more than 20 times.
The Three Lions have shown resilience, albeit unconvincingly, making it to the semi-finals with dramatic comebacks and penalty shootouts. Their offensive firepower, led by Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, is formidable but has yet to click in this tournament fully.
On the other hand, the Netherlands has gained momentum with strong performances from key players like Depay and Gakpo. Their recent matches have shown an ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain pressure on opponents.
Wednesday's clash is set to be an intense battle of strategy and skill. Both teams have the potential to secure a spot in the final. Still, given the Netherlands' recent form and England's struggle to find a consistent rhythm, the Dutch might have the upper hand at some point in the game. If their attackers exploit any defensive lapses in the English backline (as in the aforementioned Nations League game) - we might witness goals at both ends.
