The Netherlands will be looking to build on their hard-fought 2-1 win over Poland when they play Kylian Mbappe’s France at the Red Bull Arena. The battle between two of Europe’s biggest football nations will take place on June 21st at 8 pm, with Oranje the underdogs against the 2018 World Cup winners. Recent games between the two sides back up Ronald Koeman’s side’s underdog status, they lost 4-0 and 2-1 to Les Bleus during Euro 2024 qualification. Here is our Netherlands predicted lineup for one of the most anticipated games of the group stage.
Netherlands Predicted Lineup Vs. France
How the Netherlands Have Lined up Recently
The Netherlands lined up as expected against Poland but underperformed despite winning. Koeman knows his side must be better if they want to beat France so he may make a few changes. Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made six saves in his team’s Euro 2024 opener and should keep his place.
In defence, Nathan Ake excelled at left-back, assisting the winning goal. Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrijj were solid at centre-back although the Liverpool defender could’ve been more alert for Adam Buksa’s opening goal. Denzel Dumfries never stopped running down the right even when some of his teammates looked to have lost hope that a winning goal was coming.
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In midfield, Joey Veerman and Jerdy Schouten struggled to control the game. 25-year-old Veerman was the better of the PSV pair but was taken off on the hour mark so he didn’t get a second yellow card. Schouten completed 91% of his passes, however, most were sideways or backward and he struggled to get the ball to the Netherlands attackers. Tijjani Reijnders played well and should’ve scored when played through by Cody Gakpo in the first half. After Georginio Wijnaldum’s introduction, Reijnder dropped back from his attacking midfield role and helped Oranje control the game.
In attack, Xavi Simons struggled to get into the game and was replaced by Donyell Malen in the 62nd minute. Malen’s more direct style meant his country won more corners and kept the pressure on Poland. Cody Gakpo had a great game on the left wing and should’ve scored more than his 29th-minute equaliser. Memphis Depay couldn’t get any of his four shots on target and faded from the game in the second half. His replacement Wout Weghorst scored with his only shot and might be a better option against France’s physical defence.
Recent Form and Tactics
The Netherlands’ win over Poland continued a run of seven wins in their last eight games. However, Oranje haven’t beaten a team in the top 20 of the FIFA World Rankings since a 3-1 victory over the USA at the 2022 World Cup. This will concern fans and France will give Koeman’s side the toughest test of their tournament winning capabilities.
One option the former Barcelona manager could use to contain the opposition is a back five. Ian Maatsen’s call-up gives the underdogs a natural left wing-back and a back three of Van Dijk, Ake, and De Vrijj will be hard to beat. This system was used in a 2-1 defeat to Germany in March, however 34-year-old Daley Blind was used at wing-back. Playing the system with better options may give them a better chance of beating Mbappe and company.
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Against Poland, they played a 4-2-3-1 formation. The system complements their attacking players well and allows Gakpo the space he needs to run at defenders. Simons’ instinct to cut inside allowed Dumfries the space to overlap on the right. The only problem with this system is the lack of progressive passers in midfield. Oranje has a catalogue of exciting attacking options but needs to be able to get them the ball to win games.
Injuries to Consider
Brian Brobbey is struggling with a muscle problem so striker Joshua Zirkzee was called up before the opening match. The Bologna striker took the spot vacated by Teun Koopmeiners meaning Brobbey can still play a part in the tournament if he recovers. To Koemans delight, his team got through their opener without any fresh injury concerns. The squad will be pushed to its limits against France, who lost Mbappe to a broken nose in their first group outing against Austria.
Netherlands Predicted Lineup
Gk: Bart Verbruggen
RWB: Denzel Dumfries
CB: Stefan de Vrijj
CB: Virgil van Dijk
CB: Nathan Ake
LWB: Ian Maatsen
DM: Jerdy Schouten
DM: Joey Veerman
AM: Tijjani Reijnders
ST: Cody Gakpo
ST: Wout Weghorst
