The UEFA Euro 2024 semifinals will be finalized after England and the Netherlands face off in Dortmund on Wednesday to determine who will compete against Spain in the final, with the Netherlands now seen as the remaining underdogs of the tournament. Although the Three Lions have had a lackluster run, they continue to advance towards the final, much like France in their approach. The Dutch overcame a determined Turkiye, while England narrowly ousted Switzerland in their respective quarterfinal matches.
Gareth Southgate’s team is still searching for a decisive and convincing win and will aim to achieve that in the semifinal. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane made significant contributions in their round of 16 victory over Slovakia, but it was Bukayo Saka who emerged as the hero against Switzerland with a spectacular goal. Nevertheless, it took a penalty shootout to secure their spot in the final four, setting up a match against Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands.
The Netherlands have defeated Romania in the round of 16 and Turkiye in the quarterfinals, suggesting they have yet to face a true continental heavyweight. Cody Gakpo has been excellent in attack, leading the scorers with three goals, ahead of Donyell Malen, Bellingham, and Kane, who will all be eager to score in this critical match, having shown mixed performances so far in Germany.
Match Details:
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: BVB Stadion, Dortmund, Germany
Watch: Fox or Fubo (free trial available)
Odds: Netherlands +200; Draw +190; England +170
Path to the Semifinals:
The Netherlands finished third in Group D behind Austria and France but ahead of Poland, putting them in the underdog role after a favorable path through Romania and Turkiye to reach this stage. England topped Group C but only managed one win out of three matches to finish ahead of Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia before struggling past Slovakia and Switzerland. This match against the Netherlands is arguably their biggest challenge so far.
Team News:
Netherlands: Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo have been standout performers, with Simons providing three assists and Gakpo scoring three goals, two of which were assisted by Simons. Nathan Ake and Denzel Dumfries are expected to continue in defense, with Micky van den Ven pushing for inclusion after key interventions against Turkiye.
Possible Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Simons, Reijnders; Bergwijn, Depay, Gakpo.
England: Marc Guehi could return from suspension alongside John Stones, though Ezri Konsa might feel unlucky if dropped. Kobbie Mainoo appears to be settling into a midfield role next to Declan Rice. Luke Shaw might replace Kieran Trippier after Shaw’s impressive cameo against Switzerland.
Possible England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Mainoo, Rice, Saka; Bellingham, Foden; Kane.
Prediction:
While England has not displayed their best form, the Netherlands have not faced top-tier opposition since their loss to Austria and did not score against France. The Three Lions are expected to do just enough to advance but likely only after 120 minutes. Prediction: Netherlands 1, England 2 (England wins after extra time).