![Tom Winch](/wp-content/uploads/tomw-headshot.jpeg.webp)
It's a huge encounter. A place in the European Championships Final is within touching distance for both nations. Who's going to have the edge at the Signal Iduna Park?
Ronald Koeman’s side have been far more entertaining than England. There have been 14 goals across their five outings with four separate clashes witnessing three or more strikes. Holland squeezed past Turkey in the previous round after coming back from behind with two quick-fire goals. Vincenzo Montella’s men recorded more shots, created more big chances and amassed a greater xG figure in their defeat.
Tijjani Reijnders has impressed from midfield, whilst Cody Gakpo has looked sharp, cutting in off the left. The Dutch are very attacking-minded. Bergwijn, Simons, Gakpo and Memphis started the previous two encounters. Koeman will respect his opponent in this one. I expect Holland to play a 4-3-3 formation to provide stability through the middle.
Watching England has been a chore at times. The Three Lions haven’t impressed at all in Germany. Southgate’s unwillingness to make changes during tight encounters has been infuriating. England are just two games away from European success. The Netherlands will provide the toughest test so far on Wednesday night.
I’ve always believed that England is a tough side to beat. There’s so much individual quality amongst the squad. Bukayo Saka’s sublime strike somewhat settled the nerves after Switzerland opened the scoring. Jude Bellingham’s tremendous equaliser in the final seconds saved the day in their clash with Slovakia.
We all know how uninspiring this England side has been. Yet they’re into a semi-final. Southgate’s men are favourites, which may raise a few eyebrows, but I believe Holland have their vulnerabilities. It will be a cagey affair, which could suit the pre-tournament favourites.
These two nations have played one another a few times in recent years. The Netherlands defeated England in the most recent encounter in the UEFA Nations League. The clash ended 1-1 after 90 minutes that night. A Kyle Walker own goal and Quincy Promes’ late strike guided the Dutch to victory.
We can’t take much at all from recent meetings. So much has changed over the years. It's a massive encounter between two massive footballing nations. England has been slow and sluggish throughout the tournament. Holland has been entertaining for the most part and has looked vulnerable at times.
A place in the European Championship Final is up for grabs. Neither side will care how they get there.
England are the slight favourites to win this encounter. Given their performances in Germany, it’s difficult to understand why.
Southgate’s men must perform if they want to reach another final.
The Dutch will be confident. Koeman’s side have enough to navigate past England. We can’t expect a thrilling affair with so much on the line.
I’m keeping things simple for my selection. I’m going with England. Despite their uninspiring performances, I struggle to see them lose this encounter within 90 minutes. They look a decent price on the Asian Handicap.
I’ve always believed that England is tough to beat over 90 minutes. We all know just how bad performances have been in Germany, but Southgate’s men are in with a chance of lifting the trophy. It'll be a close encounter between two sides who have every chance of making the final. I trust England slightly more than the Dutch. Backing The Three Lions on the Asian Handicap seems a sensible angle to consider.
England have had it relatively easy so far in this competition. A better start is vital after going behind in both knockout matches. There’s so much individual quality in the squad. Some have shown that, whilst others have looked far from their best. If the side clicks, and it’s a big if, then England can progress again.
Koeman’s men made lightwork of Romania in their last 16 encounter despite being on the back foot for the opening 15 minutes. Turkey was leading in their quarter-final affair until the 70th minute. The Dutch held on towards the end after an uninspiring victory. Bart Verbruggen made a fantastic save at the death.
I’m backing England on the 0.0 Asian Handicap at 1.82. This is the same as Draw No Bet, but we’re getting a better price here with Bet 365.
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