Football News Update: Euro 2024, Champions League, FIFA World Cup, Women’s World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations Standings, Premier League, EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup
In a heavyweight semi-final clash at Euro 2024, the Netherlands are set to face England in Dortmund on Wednesday. Micky van de Ven, the Tottenham defender, has acknowledged England’s quality but believes they have played “really defensively” throughout the tournament.
“We do read some press and see how they speak about the England team, but they are in the semi-finals – that shows they have quality,” Van de Ven said. “They have played really defensively, that’s true. Today, we will begin analysing them intensively and will learn more.”
Cody Gakpo, the Liverpool forward, echoed his teammate’s sentiments, stating that England’s presence in the semi-finals is “not for nothing”. He praised Jude Bellingham, who has been a standout performer for the Three Lions, but warned that the Netherlands have a talented squad as well.
“Jude Bellingham is having a very good season, he’s a world-class player and made a fantastic goal [against Slovakia]. It’s a player we need to watch, but they have more players we need to watch. They are very good team but we have a good team too,” Gakpo said.
The Netherlands are expected to field a lineup with several players who have experience in the Premier League, a factor that Van de Ven believes will contribute to a “Premier League-style game” with high intensity.
As the two teams prepare for the highly anticipated clash, the Dutch players have been engaging with the media, showcasing a more relaxed and lighthearted approach compared to the typically reserved nature of the England squad.
Van de Ven joked about his speed, claiming he might be faster than Bukayo Saka, while Gakpo discussed his versatility in attack, stating that he can adapt his play to keep defenders guessing.
“Sometimes I can go around, not just inside,” Gakpo said. “Once I’ve tried that, maybe I’ll cross the ball. I can go inside or outside, make crosses with my left or right foot or maybe just play the ball back. Defenders all have to start adapting themselves and guessing what I might do the next time, so I try to make as many variations as possible.”
As the football world eagerly awaits the semi-final showdown, the Netherlands and England will no doubt showcase their respective strengths and strategies, in what promises to be a captivating encounter between two of the tournament’s top contenders.
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