The Netherlands and England are two of the premier teams in international football. Boasting longstanding rivalries, passionate fan bases, and talented players. Their matches offer thrilling viewing for fans worldwide.
Ronald Koeman made only one change for the Dutch, opting to replace Steven Bergwijn with Donyell Malen as an attacking replacement. Key players for Ronald Koeman include Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt with Wout Weghorst providing attacking depth.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of Netherlands National Football Team vs England National Football Team Lineups.
Virgil van Dijk
The Netherlands have found themselves struggling in some games at this tournament, but their experienced backline should provide some stability against an England side that has been relatively vulnerable. Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake will both play key roles for them while Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo has made an impressionful contribution and will look to keep up his run of form.
Moussa Sissoko will remain an integral member of Holland, while Tottenham midfielder Moussa Sissoko and RB Leipzig’s Jeremie Frimpong provide depth in defense. Meanwhile Xavi Simons and Memphis Depay will serve through the middle, while Wout Weghorst can come on off the bench if necessary.
Gareth Southgate’s team, led by Harry Kane and supported by club teammate Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo. Phil Foden will start alongside Jude Bellingham in midfield while Joey Barton should also feature. Bukayo Saka from Sheffield Wednesday should round off their attack.
Matthijs de Ligt
De Ligt has had to navigate high expectations from an early age. At 17 he made his professional debut with Ajax’s senior squad as their youngest full debutant and went on to score his first goal in a UEFA Champions League knockout match, later becoming their youngest ever captain (at 19 years and 186 days). Additionally he was named Europe’s Golden Boy 2018; replacing Kylian Mbappe on this prestigious trophy and demonstrating one of world football’s most gifted youngsters.
Matthijs De Ligt was one of the standout performers for the Netherlands in their recent Nations League encounter against Germany. However, his Manchester United colleagues Virgil Van Dijk and Nathan Ake were also present along with Jurrien Timber and Jan Paul van Hecke for crucial minutes on the pitch.
De Ligt was dissatisfied with his performance in the 2-2 draw against England but won’t let that get to him. The defender knows there’s room for improvement and plans on doing just that over the coming weeks and months – likely starting against England next month when his Dutch teammates take on them in Amsterdam.
Daley Blind
Blind has made his mark at Ajax since joining in 2010, often as the centre back and is capable of playing anywhere across his back line, acting both defensively and offensively as threats. In an age when many top stars in football move on to new clubs, Blind’s ability and maturity stand him out as an exceptional defender who could occupy any spot across it all.
He combines leadership and defensive acumen, using his vision to penetrate teams’ defenses. Additionally, he’s an adept passer who allows his teammates to quickly transition from defense to attack.
Blind has been one of the standout performers at Euro 2024, but to reach the final he must continue his exceptional form against England. Blind will be supported in defense by Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Ake while Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt cover extensive ground in midfield.
Southgate’s experimentation has led to Luke Shaw making his tournament debut as a substitute against Switzerland, while Kieran Trippier should remain as left back three. Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham should move to right of midfield diamond, while Liverpool Cody Gakpo could add pace and power on the left flank – or Steven Bergwijn could lose out to Donyell Malen who bagged two goals against Belgium last time out! Xavi Simons will link well with Memphis Depay while Jerdy Schouten and Tijjani Reijnders provide coverage.
Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong has been one of the biggest losses for Oranje this Euro 2024 tournament due to injuries; when fit he plays a vital role. Unfortunately he’s had issues with his hamstring which have prevented him from appearing regularly throughout Euro 2024 and missed several matches due to this condition. Although expected to play some role against England if needed.
De Jong’s absence will be felt keenly by Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side, yet other options exist for Ronald. Manchester United star Luke Shaw recently returned from injury and will hope to regain a starting spot after making brief appearance in their last-32 match against Switzerland.
Gareth Southgate will likely stick with the three-at-back formation that has proven so effective for England in their two previous matches, featuring Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka at full back positions with Kobbie Mainoo and Jude Bellingham serving as central midfielders. James Maddison of Manchester City could join Everton’s Jack Grealish for this pivotal match-up.
Donyell Malen
The Netherlands and England have a longstanding rivalry. Both teams boast talented players with rich traditions and loyal fan bases that support them both passionately, meaning fans eagerly anticipate watching these matchups between each side unfold in exciting matches. Although England are the favourites in this matchup, Dutch know their opponent has certain vulnerabilities they could take advantage of by exploiting.
The Netherlands are led defensively by Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, with Manchester City’s Daley Blind and Feyenoord’s Nathan Ake providing backup. While they have struggled at times this tournament, the Dutch remain confident in their ability to keep possession and create scoring chances.
Wout Weghorst made an impressive return from injury against Turkey, but Ronald Koeman may opt not to start him against England. Instead he may opt to start Memphis Depay and Xavi Simons while Cody Gakpo will provide support from right flank of attack. Depay is one of the premier strikers in international football; his pace poses a real threat against England’s defense – evidenced by his goal-scoring record at club and international levels alike.
Cody Gakpo
Koeman will rely on Manchester City defender Daley Blind and Bayern Munich star Matthijs de Ligt to protect their backline, while Tottenham’s Micky Van de Ven and Feyenoord’s Nathan Ake are likely to feature. Additionally, Brentford defender Mark Flekken, Manchester United midfielder Memphis Depay and Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo should play key roles.
Dutch midfielders Jerdy Schouten and Tijjani Reijnders have received a major boost following their returns from injury, providing stability at the centre of the park alongside Memphis Depay, who should cause problems for England defenders.
Steven Bergwijn has been unimpressive on the right flank this tournament and will likely give way to either RB Leipzig’s Jeremie Frimpong or Liverpool teammate Donyell Malen who scored an early brace. Gakpo will start at full-back alongside PSV Eindhoven Denzel Dumfries who provided pace and power down right wing for PSV Eindhoven and is directly involved with 63.5 percent of Dutch shots and chances created during this tournament, making him an essential cog in their attack – joining an elite club which includes Johan Cruyfff, Ruud Gullit and Dennis Bergkamp who have all scored three goals at major European championships!
Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay, 24, is an exciting forward who regularly threatens defences. Since joining Manchester United for an estimated EUR34 million fee in 2015 and scoring 49 goals during his inaugural season (Eredivisie Player of the Year award and Dutch Footballer of the Year award). Memphis made his name scoring goals at Manchester United before later switching clubs and becoming one of their highest scorers all-time.
Blind’s decision to leave Depay out of his latest squad was clear signal of his intention to place more importance on teamwork than individual performance, which should affect how Depay plays for United. It will be interesting to observe whether this changes Depay’s playmaking abilities.
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong are two players added to the squad, as is Manchester United left-back Daley Blind who returns for another stint, alongside defenders Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt, midfielders Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Ryan Gravenberch from Liverpool FC, Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan) and Jerdy Schouten from Feyenoord respectively. Furthermore, former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum who now plays in Saudi Arabian Pro League football is making his comeback into this squad after an absence of several seasons away.
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