We take a look at Wednesday’s crucial Euro 2024 semi-final clash set to take place in Dortmund between the Netherlands and England, where we suggest a bet on the outcome.
Before delving into our preferred selection, let’s take a closer look at the latest outright market prices. Spain, with their dominant performances thus far, is now marked as the favourite at 19/10. England has moved to second favourite at 5/2, closely followed by France at 28/10. The Netherlands, still considered the underdogs among the remaining four teams, can now be backed at a favourable price of 5/1.
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NETHERLANDS v ENGLAND – Click here to bet
With a spot in the European Championship final up for grabs, the Dutch will face England this Wednesday at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. Having qualified for the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, the Netherlands were somewhat fortunate, falling on the more favourable side of the draw and avoiding some of the bigger nations en route to the semi-finals. After comfortably defeating Romania 3-0 in the round of 16, everything seemed to be clicking into gear for Ronald Koeman’s men. However, facing a determined Turkish outfit in the quarter-finals, Die Oranje had to dig deep after looking very much second-best on the pitch after conceding in the 35th minute. In the second half, the Netherlands managed to claw their way back into contention thanks to a powerful header from Stefan de Vrij. That equalizer on the 70-minute mark served as the catalyst and a significant turning point as the Dutch eventually secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory, courtesy of an own goal from Turkey.
The Three Lions will certainly present one of their most challenging encounters to date, but from a neutral perspective, it promises to be an extremely exciting game. With an impressive nine-goal tally from five appearances in Germany, the Dutch team have certainly excelled in the goal-scoring department. However, there are concerns over their recent defensive frailties, having conceded three goals in their last three appearances, making it four overall in the tournament so far. This is something they will be keen on addressing, especially considering the threats England possess if given the opportunity.
Netherlands enter the semi-finals averaging 1.8 goals per game in the Euros, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 80% of those matches (4 out of 5).
Yet to perform with much conviction, England enter Wednesday’s crucial semi-final clash against the Netherlands with a lot to prove if they are to convince many that they are worthy candidates for the European Championship title. Despite being pre-tournament favourites, Gareth Southgate’s men have yet to reach that level of performance. While they may have finished on top in Group C, it was the manner in which they did so that would have raised eyebrows, securing just one win despite a very favourable group draw. In the knockout stages, they have yet to register a win in regular time, complicating things by conceding first on both occasions. In the round of 16, England needed an extra-time winner from Harry Kane to secure a 2-1 victory over Slovakia. Despite showing signs of improvement against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, the Three Lions once again trailed, with Bukayo Saka saving their blushes with an equalizer in the 80th minute, requiring penalties to secure the win.
Resembling sleeping giants in desperate need of awakening, England will have to be at their very best to overcome the Dutch if they are to secure a consecutive final appearance at the European Championship. Yet to reach the heights we witnessed from the English in the qualifiers, the Three Lions will rely heavily on the services of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka to turn things around for them. With a meagre five goals from five appearances in Germany thus far, one would think they will have to average significantly more this Wednesday, especially considering the Netherlands’ performance in front of goal to date.
England enter the semi-finals averaging 0.8 goals per game in the Euros (90 minutes), with under 2.5 goals occurring in 100% of those matches (5 out of 5).
Head-to-Head
These two sides have met 22 times in total with Netherlands edging those figures with 7 wins, 9 draws and 6 defeats. Their most recent encounter resulted in a 3-1 victory for Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League Semi-Finals back in June 2019.
Betting
Netherlands 85/40
Draw 39/20
England 16/10
Prediction
England, yet to register a clean sheet in the knockout stages, will have their work cut out if they are to contain Netherlands, despite going into the semi-final clash as underdogs. With odds of 11/10 for both teams to score, I believe there is value in that selection, considering England’s recent trend of conceding first.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to Score, Yes at 11/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
