As we gear up for the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final clash between the Netherlands and England, there’s a palpable buzz in the air. This match marks the 23rd senior men’s international meeting between these two footballing giants, but it’s the first time they face off in a major tournament knockout tie. Both teams have showcased moments of brilliance and vulnerability throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter in Dortmund.
Kane vs. Van Dijk: A Battle of Captains
England’s Harry Kane and the Netherlands’ Virgil van Dijk are set to clash in a highly anticipated duel during the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final. Both captains, both seasoned warriors, will have their leadership and skills tested as they vie for a spot in the final.
Harry Kane has had a challenging tournament. Far from the goal-scoring phenomenon of his first season at Bayern Munich, Kane has struggled to find his form at Euro 2024. Hampered by a lingering back injury, he has appeared sluggish and off-pace, lacking the sharpness that usually defines his game. However, his crucial goals against Denmark and Slovakia, and a near-miss against Serbia, remind us of his ability to change the game in an instant. Kane only needs a single opportunity in the box to make a significant impact.
On the opposite side, Virgil van Dijk has had a mixed tournament as well. The Liverpool defender wasn’t at his best during the group stages but has grown into the competition, showing marked improvement in the knockout rounds. Van Dijk’s mastery of the defensive dark arts has been on full display. No player has committed more fouls than his 12, yet with just one yellow card in five games, he has managed to stay on the right side of the disciplinary line. His 28 attempted clearances, the fifth most in the tournament, highlight his crucial role in the Dutch defense.
This showdown between Kane and Van Dijk will likely start with the handshake and coin toss and persist throughout the encounter in Dortmund. Kane will need to summon all his experience and instinct to outsmart Van Dijk, who excels in reading the game and positioning himself effectively. Southgate’s reluctance to substitute his star players means Kane will have to navigate Van Dijk’s robust defense for the full 90 minutes, if not longer.
For England, keeping Kane marshaled could limit their offensive threat significantly. Van Dijk’s ability to contain Kane will be crucial. If he can neutralize England’s main striker, the Dutch will have a significant advantage. However, if Kane can find that one moment of brilliance, it could propel England to their second successive Euros final.
Gakpo vs. Walker: A Clash of Speed and Skill
One of the standout stories of Euro 2024 has been Cody Gakpo’s emergence as a key player for the Netherlands. After a quieter end to the 2023-24 season with Liverpool, Gakpo has exploded onto the international stage, proving his potential and becoming the joint-top scorer of the tournament with three goals. His ability to cut in from the left and unsettle defenses has been a highlight, making him a pivotal figure in the Dutch attack.
Gakpo’s performances have been electrifying. His goal against Romania in the last 16 showcased his sharpness and precision, as he drove the ball into the net at the near post. In the quarter-final against Turkey, his relentless pressure forced an own goal from Mert Muldur, underscoring his influence even when not directly scoring.
As the Netherlands prepare to face England in the semi-final, Gakpo’s form will be a crucial factor. His partnership with Denzel Dumfries on the opposite flank has been particularly effective, creating numerous scoring opportunities through clever back-post combinations.
Gareth Southgate will likely assign the task of containing Gakpo to his most trusted defender, Kyle Walker. Despite not having his best tournament, Walker remains a key figure for England. His versatility in playing both right-back and central defense, along with his experience and pace, makes him a vital asset in Southgate’s tactical setup.
Walker has been one of the few players to feature in every minute of England’s campaign, highlighting Southgate’s reliance on his defensive abilities. However, he has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in one-on-one situations and at the back post. Switzerland exploited these weaknesses, which Gakpo and the Netherlands will undoubtedly look to replicate.
Saka vs. Aké
Wednesday’s semi-final clash between England and the Netherlands at Euro 2024 will feature a tantalizing duel between two Premier League stars: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and Nathan Aké of Manchester City. This matchup promises to be a critical battle that could shape the outcome of the game in Munich.
Bukayo Saka and Nathan Aké have faced each other in high-stakes matches before, most notably in an FA Cup tie at the beginning of 2023. In that encounter, Aké dominated Saka, using his physicality and defensive acumen to shut down the Arsenal winger. Both players have missed recent league clashes between Manchester City and Arsenal due to injuries, making this semi-final duel a highly anticipated rematch.
Saka has been in sensational form for England at Euro 2024. His performance in the quarter-final against Switzerland was particularly memorable, as he repeatedly beat Swiss defender Michel Aebischer, showcasing his dribbling skills and pace. Saka’s stunning equalizer in that match, cutting in from the right and scoring with a powerful left-footed shot, highlighted his ability to change the game single-handedly.
However, Saka won’t have the luxury of the familiar Arsenal combinations to break down Aké. Instead, he’ll need to rely on his individual brilliance to overcome the Dutch defender. Saka has played on the right for England throughout the tournament, including in an unconventional wing-back role against Switzerland. This adaptability and versatility will be crucial against a seasoned defender like Aké.
Nathan Aké has been a standout performer for the Netherlands at Euro 2024. Starting all five games at left-back, he has been a rock in the Dutch defense, carrying his impressive club form into the tournament. Aké’s ability to match Saka physically and his tactical awareness will be essential in neutralizing England’s young star.
Aké’s experience and composure will be tested against Saka’s relentless attacking threat. The Manchester City defender’s performance in the FA Cup tie earlier this year provides a blueprint for how he can contain Saka. However, the high stakes of a Euro semi-final add an extra layer of pressure and excitement to this encounter.
This one-on-one battle between Saka and Aké a test of individual skills and a tactical duel that will influence both teams’ strategies. Saka’s ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities will be crucial for England. Conversely, Aké’s role in stopping Saka will be vital for the Netherlands to maintain their defensive solidity.
The outcome of this duel could very well determine the game. If Saka can replicate his quarter-final heroics and outmaneuver Aké, England’s chances of advancing to the final will significantly improve. On the other hand, if Aké can replicate his FA Cup performance and shut down Saka, the Dutch will have a strong foundation to build their game plan.
The Formation Battle
The tactical formations and strategic maneuvers that both teams will employ will also be influential. This match in Dortmund promises a fascinating tactical battle, especially if Gareth Southgate sticks with the formation he used against Switzerland.
In the quarter-final against Switzerland, Southgate departed from the 4-2-3-1 setup that had served England well in their first four matches, opting instead for a 3-4-2-1 formation. This strategic shift was designed to match the Swiss system and provided mixed results. Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier were deployed as inverted wing-backs, while Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden operated as dual number 10s.
The experiment had its highs and lows. Saka excelled in his role, providing both defensive cover and attacking thrust. However, Phil Foden struggled to maintain possession and often dropped too deep, limiting his effectiveness. Additionally, England found it challenging to get the ball to Bellingham in advanced positions, a recurring issue throughout the tournament.
The success of England’s 3-4-2-1 formation heavily relies on the performance of the wing-backs. Expected to be Saka and either Trippier or Luke Shaw, these players must balance their responsibilities in both attack and defense. If caught too high up the pitch, they risk leaving midfielders Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo exposed, especially if the Dutch can create numerical superiority by pulling a winger deeper into the midfield.
Ronald Koeman, an ardent follower of Johan Cruyff’s footballing philosophy, typically favors a 4-3-3 formation. However, the Dutch also showcased tactical flexibility by switching to a 4-2-3-1 in their quarter-final win. This adjustment allowed Xavi Simons to play closer to central striker Memphis Depay, with Tijjani Reijnders and Jerdy Schouten providing a solid midfield base.
Koeman’s decision to adapt his formation paid off, enhancing the Dutch attacking fluidity and defensive stability. This willingness to alter tactics demonstrates the Netherlands’ ability to respond to different challenges, making them a formidable opponent for England.
Tactical Implications and Key Battles
If Southgate persists with the 3-4-2-1 formation, we can expect a tactical battle reminiscent of the 2021 UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea. In that match, Chelsea’s three-man rearguard with wing-backs proved to be a kryptonite for City’s 4-3-3 system, providing a blueprint that England might seek to emulate.
The key to success for both teams will be in the numerical battles in crucial areas of the pitch. England’s wing-backs need to strike the right balance between their offensive and defensive duties, ensuring they do not leave their midfield exposed. Meanwhile, the Dutch will look to exploit any gaps by engineering a numerical advantage in midfield, potentially pulling a winger deeper to create space.
Southgate vs. Koeman
Gareth Southgate and Ronald Koeman’s decisions could also have a significant hand in determining the outcome. Both managers have demonstrated their ability to make impactful substitutions, which could prove decisive in this high-stakes encounter.
Gareth Southgate has shown a keen eye for timely substitutions, a skill that was on full display during England’s quarter-final against Switzerland. With his team trailing, Southgate brought on Luke Shaw, Cole Palmer, and other fresh legs, which immediately revitalized England’s attack. Shaw’s introduction added dynamism to the left flank, and Palmer’s creativity provided much-needed impetus.
Southgate’s substitutions paid off when England rapidly leveled the score with just 10 minutes remaining. His decision-making prowess continued to shine in the penalty shoot-out, as three of his substitutes – Ivan Toney, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Palmer – all converted their spot-kicks, securing a 5-3 victory for England.
Ronald Koeman has also demonstrated a shrewd understanding of when and how to alter his team’s approach. In the quarter-final against Turkey, Koeman’s decision to introduce Wout Weghorst at half-time with his team trailing 1-0 proved to be a masterstroke. The six-foot-six Burnley target man disrupted Turkey’s defense, using his physical presence to create chaos and opportunities for his teammates.
Weghorst’s impact was immediate and profound, helping the Netherlands overturn the deficit to secure a 2-1 victory. This substitution epitomized Koeman’s willingness to make bold decisions and his ability to change the course of a match through tactical adjustments.