EURO 2024: Netherlands v England semi-final tips & predictions

EURO 2024: Netherlands v England tips

EURO 2024 preview: Netherlands v England

England will be aiming to reach their second consecutive European final when they face the Netherlands on Thursday (AEST) in the second semi-final of EURO 2024.

The Three Lions booked their place in the last four after beating Switzerland 5-3 in post-match penalties on Sunday.

Goalless for majority of the encounter, the game burst to life when Breel Embolo put the Swiss in front with 15 minutes left.

However, England didn’t trail for long, as Bukayo Saka levelled the scores five minutes later.

That was how it remained until the end of extra time, so the match proceeded to penalties.

England were faultless from the spot, with Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Saka, Ivan Toney and Trent Alexander-Arnold all converting.

Nevertheless, the hero of the match was Jordan Pickford, who made a crucial save from Manuel Akanji’s penalty.

Also on Sunday, the Netherlands advanced to the semi-finals after beating Turkey 2-1.

The dark horse of the tournament, Turkey took a surprise lead in the 35th minute through a brilliant Samet Akaydin header.

Despite winning just one of their last 10 games in the European Championship when trailing at half-time, the Dutch held their nerve to equalise in the 70th minute through Stefan de Vrij.

The winner arrived only a few minutes later, when Turkish defender Mert Muldur inadvertently diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper.

Advancing to the semi-finals of the European Championship for the first time in two decades, the Dutch have the chance to cause one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Netherlands v England EURO 2024 team news

Although Ronald Koeman has maintained the same starting line-up in the knockout stages, the Dutch manager might be forced to make some changes on Wednesday.

Steven Bergwijn, whose impact hasn’t been felt on the right wing, could be replaced by either Jeremie Frimpong or Donyell Malen. Super-sub Wout Weghorst could also start up front.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane is expected to lead England despite limping off against Switzerland, while Marc Guehi returns after serving a one-game ban.

Netherlands v England semi-final predictions

The Netherlands are the lowest-ranked team in the semi-finals, with online bookmakers offering +450 for them to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, England sit second in the market at +250 as they chase their first title.

Cody Gakpo is joint top scorer with Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze, Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz and Germany’s Jamal Musiala. The top soccer betting sites are offering +375 for the Liverpool forward in the anytime goalscorer market.

England often struggle against the Dutch. With both sides far from convincing in this tournament, expect this to be a tightly contested match. Nevertheless, the Brits should do enough to win as +169 favourites with BetOnline.

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