Netherlands laugh at ‘barely watchable’ England and Gareth Southgate’s boring ‘data analyst’ tactics before semi-final… and play on Three Lions fans’ fears that Netherlands have ‘home advantage’ in Germany
There is much speculation about the semi-final of the European Championship between England and the Netherlands. Dutch commentators call the football of the Three Lions ‘hardly watchable’ and criticize the ‘gross hubris’ of the fans.
Gareth Southgate has been named the ‘most criticised manager’ at the 2024 European Championship by one of the players. Dutch football magazineeven though he managed to guide England to the semi-finals of the tournament for the third time.
The England manager’s approach was “ultra-conservative”, it is said, with him relying on the insights of data analysts in an attempt to keep a clean sheet rather than score goals.
Meanwhile, England fans in the stands for Wednesday night’s match could be outnumbered by their rivals as they rush to snap up last-minute tickets as prices soar.
Furthermore, the Netherlands could benefit from the territorial advantage in Dortmund, as the ‘Yellow Wall’ of the Westfalenstadion will be coloured orange thanks to the allocation of tickets by UEFA.
Fans of the Netherlands celebrate after winning the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final between the Netherlands and Turkey at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 6
Gareth Southgate has been labelled the ‘most criticised manager’ at the 2024 European Championship
Dutch authorities estimate that between 75,000 and 80,000 people will cross the border into Germany
The south stand of Borussia Dortmund’s stadium is transformed into a sound barrier during home games. Half of the area is now allocated to the Dutch club’s fans, the rest is for sale.
While the English fans will be sitting in the Gelbe Wand stand, thousands of Oranje fans will be sitting in the favourite stand.
At many of the Netherlands’ matches during the tournament, the host city was packed with Dutch supporters who filled the fan zones in their iconic orange kit and showed their support with their famous side-by-side chant.
The English fans also dare to dream and travel en masse to Germany to cheer on their team during an uninspiring match.
‘The story of England during most football summers: gross overconfidence followed by early elimination,’ writes Dutch football journalist Peter Zwart.
‘Southgate has dealt with every form of naivety in England in a harsh manner. The fact that the football is barely watchable does not bother him. That is in fact the direct result of his tactical plan.’
Meanwhile, the players have joined in the war of words, with Spurs defender Micky Van de Ven smilingly telling reporters at a press conference that he is faster than England winger Bukayo Saka.
The Netherlands Lions will be hungry for a win as they last reached the final of the tournament in 2010
The Netherlands could benefit from their territorial advantage in Dortmund as the ‘Yellow Wall’ of the Westfalenstadion will turn orange thanks to UEFA’s ticket allocation
“That’s an uncomfortable thing to say about yourself,” Van de Ven said. “But look at the data and you have the answer.”
Netherlands star player Cody Gakpo supported his team-mate, saying: ‘Micky is the fastest in the Premier League.‘
Commenting on England’s tactics, the Liverpool forward said: ‘They play very defensively. They have a lot of quality, but they play defensively.’
Gakpo said of the team, many of whose players also play in the Premier League: ‘They really have a fantastic group, hopefully it will be an exciting game.’
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands defeated Turkey 2-1 in Berlin to advance to the semi-finals against the Three Lions. Both teams will be looking to reach the final on 14 July.
Micky Van de Ven smiled as he told reporters at a press conference that he is faster than England winger Bukayo Saka
The Dutch Lions are keen on a win, having last reached the final of the tournament in 2010.
English fans are expected to be in the minority, with officials estimating that 60 percent of the supporters will be from the Dutch army, known as The Legion.
Dutch authorities estimate that between 75,000 and 80,000 people will cross the border into Germany. Fans can reach Dortmund in less than two hours if they drive from Eindhoven.
Meanwhile, 30,000 English fans are expected to travel to North Rhine-Westphalia as ticket, accommodation and flight prices rise due to increased demand.