Jack Ogalbe’s selections for the second semi-final of Euro 2024 include a win for the Three Lions as they look to reach their second consecutive European Championship final.
England have reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals without playing anywhere near their best football and they will be aiming for improvement when taking on the Netherlands in Dortmund.
The Three Lions finished top of Group C despite scoring only two goals and had to come from behind in dramatic knockout matches against Slovakia and Switzerland but they are through to their third major tournament semi-final in just six years.
Reaching the final four has been a less common trait for the Dutch, who have not participated in a European Championship semi-final since 2004.
However, the Oranje improved after a slow start to Euro 2024 and are the only semi-finalist to have progressed without any need for extra-time or penalties.
Selections
England to win
17/10
Phil Foden first scorer
9/2
Tijjani Reijnders to be carded
10/3
Lions can reach another landmark
England have never participated in a major tournament final on foreign soil but they can change all that by defeating the Netherlands and keeping their Euro 2024 dream alive.
Much of the criticism of England’s ordinary performances has been entirely justified because it remains the case that the team are not getting close to their potential.
However, they have shown a never-say-die attitude, alongside penalty-taking prowess and have a platform to go on and make it a summer to truly remember for long-suffering fans.
The Three Lions were only average against Switzerland but that still represents a significant improvement on some of the dire fare which was served up in the previous four games.
They looked more at ease after the change of system – from a back four to a three – and are likely to improve further having had a little more time to adjust to the new setup.
And, if England can improve to a slightly above average performance, it may well be enough to see off the Dutch, who have been far from fully convincing themselves.
The Netherlands finished third in their group and were in big trouble in their quarter-final against Turkey until turning things around with two goals in a seven-minute spell.
Head coach Ronaldo Koeman was a relieved man after the Turks were held at bay in a rather unconvincing fashion but his joy could be short-lived.
Becalmed Phil ready to show his skill
Bukayo Saka came to the party with his superb goal against Switzerland but it may be Phil Foden’s turn to play a starring role in Dortmund.
Gareth Southgate has generally struggled to get the best out of his top attacking talent but there was a better balance against the Swiss with Foden and Jude Bellingham looking more settled in largely central roles.
Foden has been quietly improving his performances and he looks a tempting 9/2 wager to break the Dutch resistance.
Robust Reijnders could be a card recipient
Getting to grips with Bellingham and Foden will be a tall order for the Dutch and it might require a few tasty tackles to stem the flow.
There is no obvious destroyer in the Dutch midfield but Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders collected eight yellow cards in Serie A last season and he looks a probable card contender on Wednesday evening.
Visit Betway’s Euro 2024 betting page.
