Euro 2024: Dortmund to Host Semi Showdown to Savour

Netherlands vs England

The second semi-final of Euro 2024 is on the horizon for two proud footballing nations – two nations which have been starved of international success for some time.

While England and Holland have enjoyed some special moments, their only major triumphs are now actually some 58 and 36 years ago.

That means this clash in Dortmund has the added incentive of creating, not just Euro 2024 highlights, but moving the winner a step closer to emulating the history-makers of Bobby Charlton, Geoff Hurst, Marco van Basten et al.

 

Talking Points

When I look at the respective classes of 2024, I see a good cohort in both camps; a nucleus with the potential for some players to become exceptional.

I also see two nations who, unlike some of their fellow European counterparts, have not quite mastered the consistency or level of performance their talent warrants.

The fact is, however, that cream should rise to the top more often than not and, a beneficial draw or otherwise, both sides are now just 90 minutes away from a major final and a chance to win their first silverware since 1966 and 1988 respectively.

Of course, it wouldn’t be England without criticism from the media and fans alike.

First it was boss Gareth Southgate, now it’s the national team’s record goalscorer Harry Kane.

Kane has added two more to his collection in Germany, both poacher’s efforts turned in from close range and, for a team that has scored five goals from open play, it’s not a bad return.

Yet his general all-round play is under the spotlight.

It should not be forgotten that Kane had a superb debut season at Bayern Munich cut short by a back injury which meant he played just over 90 minutes across England’s two friendlies before this tournament.

That hasn’t stopped some suggesting Kane be dropped for the semi-final.

Unless he is struggling with injury though, the sheer thought of not selecting the skipper in the starting XI is madness.

Such is Kane’s poaching ability that Southgate would be right to select him for that alone, never mind his leadership, game intelligence or tournament experience.

One more stat: Kane has received only 91 passes in the tournament, nearly a whole 200 fewer than young midfield bucks Jude Bellingham (288) and Phil Foden (283) which explains a lot.

Obviously, journalists have column inches and air-time to fill on a daily basis but some angles of these editorials and comments do stretch beyond realism at times.

I suspect the main selection choice the manager faces ahead of Wednesday will actually be whether to bring back Marc Guehi, suspended versus the Swiss in the quarter-finals, or stick with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa who was so composed as his replacement.

Likewise, Southgate will surely find room for 19 year-old Kobbie Mainoo who was nerveless and made another excellent contribution

Not that the Dutch have been free from criticism either.

From the draw with France, to the group game defeat against Austria to the quarter-final comeback win versus Turkey, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for Ronald Koeman and his players.

Even the Turkey tie had its own highs and lows with the Oranje needing to come back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 and then only avoided extra time after a superb Bart Verbruggen save in the 91st minute.

In that game, Wout Weghorst came on at half-time to create havoc in the Turkish defence and Memphis Depay looked increasingly lively. In addition, Cody Gakpo has been impressive and Tijjani Reijnders is growing into the midfield leader Koeman felt he had lost when Frenkie de Jong had to pull out on the eve of the tournament.

It’s all set up nicely for a compelling evening and 90 minutes, or more, which will give the winner a crack at immortality.

 

History

Their most recent meeting came in semi-finals of inaugural Nations League in June 2019.

On that occasion, England led through a Marcus Rashford penalty but Matthijs de Ligt equalised to force extra-time where an own goal and Quincy Promes secured a 3-1 Dutch victory.

Jesse Lingard netted the only goal when the sides met in an Amsterdam friendly 15 months before that after Holland had run out 2-1 winners in the previous friendly – two years earlier at Wembley – when Vincent Janssen (penalty) and Luciano Narsingh scored their goals on a night the crowd remembered Johan Cruyff.

This will be their first clash at a major tournament since Euro 96 and a game which has written itself into English football folklore as one of the best ever displays by a national team.
On an unforgettable night for English football, Holland were beaten 4-1 in Euro 96, courtesy of doubles from Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham.

Historically, there is nothing between the sides.

Overall, England have tasted victory in six of their meetings, the Dutch seven with a further nine draws.

All bar six of their 22 clashes have been international friendlies.

 

Betting Tip

England have the edge with the SBOTOP Euro 2024 betting odds but only just.

They can be backed 1X2 @ 2.66 and Asian Handicap -0.50, also @ 2.66, with Oranje tipped 1X2 @ 3.01 and Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.69.

Likewise, first half bets are pretty close, including England First Half 1X2 @ 3.35, First Half Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 2.66, Holland First Half 1X2 @ 3.84 and First Half Asian Handicap -0.25 @ 3.00.

A re-run of their last clash, a 3-1 Dutch triumph, will pay out @ 4.00 with Correct Score.

Whether you are predicting very few goals or a veritable feast, take a closer look at over 2.50 @ 2.66, Total Goal 0-1 @ 2.42, 2-3 @ 1.93 or 4-6 @ 4.68.

   

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