Yahoo Sports Netherlands vs England: Preview, predictions and lineups
England face the Netherlands for the first time at a major tournament in 28 years with a place in the Euro 2024 final at stake on Wednesday night.
The Three Lions produced one of their all-time great performances during their meeting with a star-studded Dutch side at Euro 96, winning 4-1 on their way to a semi-final berth on home soil.
The pair have avoided each other on the big stage since, but their success in the knockouts this summer has led them on a collision course in the last four.
Ronald Koeman's Netherlands have come on strong after an underwhelming group stage. They brushed aside Romania in the round of 16 before coming from behind to topple Turkey in the quarters. They're now aiming to reach the final of this competition for just the second time having lifted the trophy in 1988 - also held in Germany.
England continue to struggle through the tournament, but their ability to produce when it matters has seen them advance into their third semi-final with Gareth Southgate at the helm. Bukayo Saka's pinpoint effort from distance saved the Three Lions against Switzerland and they went on to produce a stunning performance in the penalty shootout.
They're far from swashbuckling, but Southgate's squad boasts the requisite knowhow and they're continuing to find ways to win.
Here's 90min's preview of England's Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.
What time does Netherlands vs England kick-off?
Netherlands vs England H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Last meeting: England 1-3 Netherlands (6 June 2019) - UEFA Nations League
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Netherlands vs England on TV and live stream
Netherlands team news
Koeman has found his formula in the knockout stages and he'll likely resist the clamours from back home to start Wout Weghorst on Wednesday. Memphis Depay should continue as the Netherlands' leading man up top.
Tijjani Reijnders has impressed since dropping into a deeper midfield position alongside Jerdy Schouten, with Xavi Simons occupying pockets between the lines.
There are unlikely to be changes to Koeman's backline, although Tottenham's Micky van de Ven has shown his abilities off the bench.
Netherlands predicted lineup vs Turkey (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Depay.
England team news
Luke Shaw made his long-awaited return to action off the bench against Switzerland and the Man Utd full-back looked spritely on the overlap.
Southgate now has a big call to make down the left, with Shaw unlikely to last the distance on Wednesday. He could, however, earn his first start of Euro 2024.
Marc Guehi returns from suspension and will replace Ezri Konsa, who impressed on Saturday, and the England manager will likely retain the 3-4-2-1 formation deployed against the Swiss. Harry Kane will not be dropped.
England predicted lineup vs Netherlands
England predicted lineup vs Netherlands (3-4-2-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Shaw; Foden, Bellingham; Kane.
Netherlands vs England score prediction
Switzerland offered a tricky test for England last time out, but the Dutch represent another step up in quality given their two knockout stage performances.
Koeman's side are hardly as gifted as the outfit that won the competition at Euro 88 but the manager has found a formula and has shown to be adaptable in their recent victories. They'll target England out wide and have the talent in midfield to steal control away from the Three Lions.
Southgate's side, though, are willing to suffer and will back themselves against anybody given the nature of their knockout stage triumphs. A real belief is starting to show within the squad, but they may be required to go the distance again.
If it does go to a shootout, Jordan Pickford and Southgate's cold-blooded killers could have the edge from 12 yards.
