The Netherlands return to the international main stage after a lengthy seven-year absence at Euro 2020. The Oranje will look for inspiration from their 3rd place finish at the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. The Dutch have a mixture of youth and experience. But mostly the nation will enjoy being back in the tournament spotlight once again.
The team at Last Word on Football has put together a country profile so that you can have the complete rundown ahead of the competition kicking off in June.
Everything You Need to Know About the Netherlands Ahead of Euro 2020
Who is the Netherlands National Team Coach?
The Dutch national side is managed by Frank de Boer, who took the reigns from Ronald Koeman back in September 2020. He signed a contract with the Dutch through to the end of 2022 to co-inside with the Qatar World Cup.
As a player, he was a highly successful centre-back who enjoyed many glorious moments throughout his glittering career.
The 51-year-old was a rock of a defender with strength, vision, an adept tackler, excellent positioning and organizational leadership his main qualities. Meanwhile, the defender had spells with the likes of Ajax and Barcelona and won many honours.
These included five Eredivisie league titles, a UEFA Cup and a Champions League in 1996 at Ajax. At Barcelona, he lifted the La Liga title in 1999 in the club’s centenary season.
With the national side, he achieved fourth place in the 1998 World Cup. De Boer assisted that famous long diagonal pass for Dennis Bergkamp to score against Argentina in Marseille.
As an assistant manager with the Netherlands, he was a Runner-up to Spain at the 2010 World Cup. And as a fully-fledged manager, he won four consecutive Eredivisie titles with his boyhood Ajax side.
Also, he picked up two domestic trophies during his spell with MLS outfit Atlanta United.
However, his record with the Dutch team is patchy. After a 1-1 draw against Spain, de Boer had the misfortune to become the first manager of the country to not win in any of his first four fixtures.
His tally was two draws against Italy and Bosnia and two defeats against Mexico in a friendly. He was also defeated at home against Italy in his first game in charge.
Who Has Been Selected in the Netherlands Squad For Euro 2020?
Boss de Boer has selected a strong 26-man squad to navigate his way through the tournament. The highlight names include defender Matthijs de Ligt, midfielders Frenkie de Jong, Georginio Wijnaldum and young hope Ryan Gravenberch. Upfront, the orange nation will be pinning their hopes on the likes of experienced strikers Memphis Depay and Luuk de Jong.
The main standout absences are the unfortunate injury of captain Virgil van Dijk and the surprise omission of Steven Bergwijn. Therefore, a blend of youth and experience is the mixture with which the Netherlands return to tournament football.
GK – Jasper Cillessen (Valencia), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Tim Krul (Norwich City)
Defenders – Daley Blind (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Internazionale), Joel Veltman (Brighton and Hove Albion), Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus), Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Denzel Dumfries (PSV Eindhoven), Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace), Owen Wijndal (AZ Alkmaar), Jurrien Timber (Ajax)
Midfielders – Georginio Wijnaldum (Barcelona), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Davy Klassen (Ajax), Marten de Roon (Atalanta), Donny van de Beek (Manchester United), Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax), Teun Koopmeiners (AZ Alkmaar)
Forwards – Memphis Depay (Lyon), Quincy Promes (Spartak Moscow), Luuk de Jong (Sevilla), Steven Berghuis (Feyenoord), Donyell Malen (PSV Eindhoven), Wout Weghorst (Wolfsburg), Cody Gakpo (PSV Eindhoven)
Frenkie de Jong to be the Beacon of Hope for the Netherlands at Euro 2020
The Barcelona midfield general has enjoyed a fine personal season at Camp Nou with a career-best seven goals in 51 appearances.
The midfield maestro won last season’s Copa del Rey and his vision, creativity, ball control and dribbling ability in small spaces enhanced Barcelona.
Therefore he will be the heartbeat and fulcrum of all that the Dutch national team want to create.
Also, de Jong is comfortably able to effectively direct traffic and create opportunities and goals for both teammates and himself.
Group Stage Fixtures
The Netherlands have a difficult group stage to negotiate. The Orange Army will take on Ukraine, who very much are a dark horse with Andriy Shevchenko, pulling off a notable win over Spain last year.
Meanwhile the Dutch are also paired with Austria and North Macedonia.
Netherlands vs Ukraine – June 13, 8pm BST
Netherlands vs Austria – June 17, 8pm BST
North Macedonia vs Netherlands – June 21, 5pm BST
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