After a disappointing group stage, the Netherlands qualified as one of the best third-place teams and has improved steadily in the knockout rounds of Euro 2024. Oranje made a comeback and defeated Turkey 2-1 in Berlin, securing their first semifinal appearance in a major tournament in the last decade – and their first at the Euros since 2004 – where they will meet the favorites, England.

Dortmund is the venue for the first meeting between these teams at the Euros or the World Cup since 1996. The Netherlands hopes for a different outcome than their 4-1 defeat on that occasion. Oranje has lost only one of the nine direct encounters since then (W4, D4). Manager Ronald Koeman aims to lead them to their first Euro final since their 1988 triumph – incidentally, the last final held on German soil, where the Dutch prevailed 3-1 against England!

England, under Gareth Southgate’s leadership, is familiar with this stage, playing their third major tournament semifinal out of four attempts. Although the Three Lions performed better in the quarterfinals, winning only once in 90 minutes in five matches at this tournament, their defensive solidity could guide them to a second consecutive Euro final. Their last competitive loss was at the 2022 World Cup against France (W9, D4).

Players to watch include Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, who scored all three goals in the second half at Euro 2024. Additionally, Bukayo Saka, a Premier League star, scored a late equalizer for England against Switzerland and converted a penalty in the Euro 2020 final. Last season, Saka also opened the scoring for Arsenal against Brighton from the spot, facing Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Interesting stat: The Netherlands has lost every Euro semifinal since their 1988 title win. 

Sportai365 predicts a match with under 3.5 goals.