Semi-final Build Up
On Wednesday night, Netherlands face England for a place in the Euro 2024 Final. The Dutch have scored nine goals in five matches and are up against an England side who have only managed one goal per game on average. The Three Lions have only scored two first half goals so far this tournament in what seems to be a constant trend of starting slow.
However, they have only conceded three goals in Euro 2024 so I’m tipping the correct half time score to be 0-0 at odds of 2.30.
Southgate’s Winning Formula
Gareth Southgate looks likely to keep the same formation of 3-4-2-1 which saw them play their best attacking football against Switzerland in the Quarter Finals. Despite this, England still only had three shots on target and did not look threatening until Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 75th minute. Thankfully for England, Saka came to the rescue five minutes later with a trademark finish from outside the box to equalise. The game eventually finished with the Three Lions pulling off a 5-3 win on penalties with a confident Trent Alexander-Arnold penalty taking England to the Semi Final.
Can the Dutch reach Berlin?
The Netherlands have had a mix of results this tournament, but they have found form at just the right time. They completed a thrilling comeback against Turkey winning 2-1 late on. Stefan De Vrij got on the score sheet alongside a Mert Muldur own goal that confirmed Turkey’s exit.
This semi will be England’s biggest test so far in Euro 2024 with the Dutch having strength in attack and plenty of talent off the bench. Can Southgate’s men keep Cody Gakpo quiet? He has an impressive three goals and one assist in five games. If Kyle Walker starts right centre back again, he might be in for a long evening. Both teams have only scored two goals each in the first 45 minutes of this tournament. So the first half ending goalless offers good value.
