NETHERLANDS vs ENGLAND PLAYER RATINGS: Which player has been easily Gareth Southgate’s most consistent performer? Who hasn’t done enough on the ball for the Three Lions? And which Dutch stars have lacked chemistry?
England will have to beat a top-form Netherlands to get a second chance at the European Cup in the final in Berlin on Sunday.
Ronald Koeman’s players secured a late 2-1 victory over Turkey to set the stage for their clash with the Three Lions, with their eighth and ninth goals making them the third-highest scoring nation in the competition.
In contrast, Gareth Southgate’s team have struggled to get going in Germany, winning just one match, the tournament opener against Serbia, in 90 minutes.
But how do the two teams’ starting XIs compare? Here, Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE and MATT BARLOW break down the England and Netherlands rules and assess who will win ahead of kick-off on Wednesday night.
Netherlands (4-2-3-1)
GOALKEEPER
BART VERBRUGGEN 7
The Brighton keeper has made the position his own since making his debut in October. An error of judgement on a cross was punished by Turkey’s goal in the quarter-final, but he made up for it with fine saves under pressure in the closing stages.
The Netherlands prepare to face Gareth Southgate’s England after beating Turkey in the quarter-finals
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo is one of many threats lurking for Three Lions in Dortmund
After edging past Switzerland on penalties, England will be eager to put in a confident performance
DEFENDERS
DENZEL DUMFRIES 7
A key attacking outlet that moves up and down the right, allowing the four defenders in possession to flex into a three. The wide-right forward can then cut inside and link up with the centre forward, leaving the flank open for the rampaging Dumfries.
STEFAN DE VRIJ 7.5
Strong, experienced and good in the air, he scored his first international goal in nine years against Turkey. He has a good understanding with Virgil van Dijk and the fact that he is naturally right-handed means he can sweep into Dumfries.
VIRGIL VAN DIJK 8
Leader of the Dutch pack. Perhaps not as fast as he was at his peak, but the Liverpool star remains a dominant presence who has seen it all. The captain inspires those around him with his aura. Didn’t kick Harry Kane in the 2019 Champions League final.
Bart Verbruggen made a number of excellent saves to prevent Turkey from winning at the end of the match
Nathan Ake is steeped in winning after spending his season at Manchester City
NATHAN AKE 7.5
Mainly used as a left back. Can move forward and complete the attack, but more often becomes a third central defender when Dumfries breaks forward. Mobile, tenacious and knows all about winning from his time at Manchester City.
MIDFIELDERS
TIJJANI REIJNDERS 6.5
An elegant passer who started the tournament in a more advanced midfield position, the AC Milan man dropped deeper as the Netherlands searched for balance in the absence of Frenkie de Jong, more likely to screen and pass than intervene defensively.
JERDY SCHOUTEN 6.5
Recently played deep with Reijnders. Another player who will distribute possession in midfield with a more defensive instinct. Has filled in as a central defender at PSV. A regular in Ronald Koeman’s team since the turn of the year.
DONYELL MALEN 6
Main alternative to Steven Bergwijn on the right. Scored an own goal in his only start against Austria, but came on as a substitute to score two as the Netherlands overwhelmed Romania in the last 16. Blazing pace.
Donyell Malen was at fault for an own goal against Austria, but has plenty of speed at his disposal
Xavi Simons (pictured) is an energetic presence in Ronald Koeman’s team but has struggled to click with Memphis Depay
XAVI SIMONS 7
Plays as a number 10 in Koeman’s new 4-2-3-1 formation, bringing energy and vision. Simons can pick a pass and has an eye for goals, but his boss is concerned about his lack of chemistry with Memphis Depay.
CODY GAKPO 8
Scored three goals at Euro 2024 and unfortunately another was an own goal. Effective but not fluent on the left flank and always dangerous at the far post. Has a strong relationship with right back Dumfries.
ATTACKER
MEMPHIS DEPAY 6.5
Only one goal in the tournament, but remains Koeman’s favourite striker. Perhaps the only one in the squad with the ability to create something out of nothing. Excellent Dutch goal ratio of 46 in 97 caps.
TOTAL: 77.5/110
Depay (center) did not take his shooting boots to Germany, but remains in the starting lineup
England (3-4-2-1)
GOALKEEPER
JORDAN PICKFORD 7
By far the most consistent player on the team here and, if this tie goes to penalties, England have a big advantage as Pickford is almost certain to guarantee at least one save. Of all Southgate’s worries, his goalkeeper is not one.
Jordan Pickford has been one of England’s most consistent players during the Southgate era
DEFENDERS
KYLE WALKER 5
Is he tired? Or are his best days behind him? Either way, Walker hasn’t shown the same energy as he did at Manchester City. He doesn’t see danger as part of a three-man defence and was caught for Switzerland’s goal.
JOHN STONES 6
Some are good, some not so good, but overall below par and you worry, against a top class opponent, that his game is not what it needs to be. Like Walker, he has not been able to reproduce his City form.
MARC GUEHI 6.5
The centre-back was a rare success story before his suspension in the quarter-final and is likely to return here in place of Ezri Konsa, who was England’s best defender against the Swiss.
John Stones has failed to replicate his great form for Man City in the England squad
Marc Guehi is suspended for the match against Switzerland, but hopes to return immediately
WINGS
BUKAYO SAKA 6.5
Along with Jude Bellingham he is the reason England are still here. By far the best player in the team in the last round. Before that he had had moments where he didn’t seem 100 percent fit. A lot depended on him considering the problems of others.
KIERAN TRIPPER 6
Continues to do a job that is out of character on the left and was not helped by being used as a wing-back against Switzerland, with the space at the back exposed. It is not his fault but the team lacks balance. He has done well.
MIDFIELDERS
KOBBIE MAINOO 6.5
He has more to offer in terms of creativity and attacking intent than his senior team-mates, but the suspicion remains that he struggles to sit out games and make an impact over a longer period. His spark is needed, however.
DECLAN RICE 6
He will be disappointed with his performances as the midfield lacks the control and drive he is good enough to provide, but his dedication and defensive work have been crucial, not helped by three different midfield partners.
Bukayo Saka was England’s strongest player against the Swiss and saved the day with his goal
Phil Foden doesn’t seem to be the Premier League player of the season, but is eager to impress in his preferred position
PHIL FODEN 5
Doesn’t look like a Premier League Player of the Year and while there is some sympathy for him playing on the left for the first four games, he still hasn’t done enough when he has the ball. Does well to stay in the team on this form.
JUDE BELLINGHAM 6
Without him England wouldn’t be here, but if he had performed at Real Madrid levels England might not have needed his last minute heroics. There has been no connection with Foden and Kane so far.
ATTACKER
HARRY KANE 4.5
Not fully fit and there is a strong argument to drop him given how ineffective he has been, especially against Switzerland when he didn’t get into the box enough. It feels detrimental to the team to keep him but two goals in the tournament prove his worth.
TOTAL: 65/110