‘Hybrid Winger’ Starts: Netherlands Predicted Lineup Vs England

The Netherlands can reach their first major tournament final in ten years when they play England in the Euro 2024 semi-final. After Spain defeated France, Oranje will have a repeat of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final if they beat the Three Lions in Dortmund on July 10. Ronald Koeman’s side fought from behind to beat Turkey 2-1 in the quarter-final. Their opponents struggled against Switzerland and had to rely on five perfect penalties to qualify for the final four. Here is our Netherlands predicted lineup.

Netherlands Predicted Lineup Vs England

How the Netherlands Have Lined Up Recently

Koeman named an unchanged team in the quarter-final. Donyell Malen had scored a double from the bench against Romania but didn’t feature at all versus Turkey. Steven Bergwijn was given another chance on the right before being withdrawn at halftime again. This time, Wout Weghorst was introduced and caused chaos with his aerial presence.

In defence, Denzel Dumfries was lively once again. His attacking work has made up for the Netherlands’ problematic right-wing spot. Stefan de Vrijj scored the crucial equaliser with a bullet header following a corner. Virgil van Dijk ensured the team kept their composure when falling behind. Nathan Ake continues to show his versatility at left-back. Micky van de Ven replaced the Manchester City star in the 73rd minute in what is becoming a common move.

The Netherlands midfield picks itself at this stage in the tournament. Jerdy Schouten and Tijjani Reijnders have formed a solid partnership of defensive nous and ball retention. The PSV midfielder has not been dispossessed once at the tournament. The pairing gives Xavi Simons the freedom to be at his creative best, with three assists so far at Euro 2024.

In attack, Cody Gakpo was unlucky not to add to his goal tally (3), against Turkey. The “hybrid winger” is still leading the tournament’s Golden Boot race. The 25-year-old could give his teammates some shooting lessons: Memphis Depay has scored just one goal and missed four big chances at Euro 2024. Bergwijn became the first Dutch right-winger to start consecutive games, but has still only played 90 minutes at Euro 2024.

Recent Form and Tactics

Whilst not quite on the level of Spain, the Netherlands are in better form than their semi-final opponents. Oranje have won three of their five matches in normal time. In comparison, England have won just once in 90 minutes. Koeman’s side play an expansive style of play that relies on the connection between Gakpo and Dumfries. The two players may be on opposite sides of the pitch but have combined numerous times to create dangerous attacks.

For the winner against Turkey, Dumfries’ cross towards Gakpo deflected off Mert Mulder and into the net. In England’s quarterfinal, Kyle Walker was caught out by Breel Embolo in a similar fashion.

One of the Netherlands’ key attacking moves has been to get their winger one-on-one with his marker. They find this solution by picking Gakpo out with long balls, or finding Simons between the lines. The 21-year-old then drags players out of position before playing through his teammate.

Injuries to Consider

The Netherlands have had an injury-free squad at this tournament. Frenkie de Jong was pictured in the Netherlands dressing room at full-time against Turkey, a reminder of how well the side have coped in his absence. Koeman took his time but eventually realised it was better to replace the Barcelona midfielder.

Schouten possesses the ball-winning and defensive knowledge of De Jong. AC Milan’s Reijnders has his ball-carrying and retention skills. Between them, the pair have dominated midfield during the Euro 2024 knockout rounds and helped the Netherlands be one step away from the Euro 2024 final.

Netherlands Predicted Lineup

Gk: Bart Verbruggen

RB: Denzel Dumfries

CB: Stefan de Vrijj

CB: Virgil van Dijk

LB: Nathan Ake

DM: Jerdy Schouten

DM: Tijjani Reijnders

AM: Xavi Simons

RW: Steven Bergwijn

LW: Cody Gakpo

ST: Memphis Depay

Tyler Eaton

Tyler is a student football writer who has followed Liverpool for as long as he can remember. He aims to become a full-time sports journalist once his time at university is over.