Euro 2024: Netherlands vs England tips and predictions - Three Lions to settle tie in extra time

The Netherlands will face England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 on Wednesday night with the Three Lions marginally favoured by the betting odds.

There’s little to separate the sides in both semi-final clashes, which is more a reflection of what to expect from this stage of the tournament than the quality of the teams.

If England produce their best performance then you’d expect them to progress. Likewise, Spain at full tilt would be too much for France to handle. But is it that simple? Never.

If we push the sense of pessimism required when supporting England to one side, it’s fair to say there have been improvements in each match, and the squad has shown character.

Gareth Southgate’s pragmatic approach isn’t to everyone’s liking but it’s allowed England to enjoy a greater share of possession than all but two teams to limit the opposition’s goalscoring chances.

Ronald Koeman’s side don’t look as capable in either of those departments so this is a clash of styles. Southgate usually gets his way in such a situation.

That could result in a contest when the Dutch are forced to defend for large portions of the game while being tasked with producing a threat on the break, which they’re capable of.

We’ve seen England struggle to produce good chances in any match. They’ve been spared by individual moments from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Jordan Pickford.

The Netherlands may have suffered defensively but they have produced quality openings and scored nine goals through five matches.

Even Switzerland struggled to punish England’s turnovers until John Stones’ missed clearance allowed them their only big chance of the match.

Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Memphis Depay have performed well with nine-goal contributions between them and look like they can hurt England.

That said, despite showing buckets of character, they failed what in retrospect looks like their biggest test when losing 3-2 to Austria.

It’s tough to call but with England looking unspectacular in attack, extra time is possible. At that point, the Dutch could wilt and struggle without like-for-like quality on their bench.

 

Team news

Koeman is likely to stick to a 4-2-3-1 formation for Wednesday’s semi-final.

The Dutch boss has a fully fit squad to choose from but isn’t expected to make any changes.

Southgate’s switch to a 3-5-2 didn’t help England create more chances, but it did provide width and a more energetic performance.

Phil Foden was more involved in the number 10 role against Switzerland and helped free up Jude Bellingham.

Marc Guehi will replace Ezri Konsa after serving a one-match suspension.

 

Key stats

- The Netherlands are unbeaten in eight of nine meetings with England
- Cody Gakpo is the tournament’s top scorer with three goals
- England are unbeaten in 12 matches at the European Championships
- Bellingham and Harry Kane have scored two goals apiece for England

 

Suggested bets

England to win in extra time

Winner of tie: England

Match result: Draw