Netherlands’ Adaptability and Attacking Style Provide Opportunities for England in Euro 2024 Semi-Final
The Netherlands have shown impressive adaptability throughout Euro 2024, which could potentially give England new opportunities in their upcoming semi-final clash. Danny Murphy, who has co-commentated on two of the Dutch team’s games, highlights their ability to react and make adjustments when things go wrong. This adaptability has been a defining characteristic of their tournament, regardless of the opponent they face.
One notable aspect of the Dutch team’s approach is their style of play. Contrary to expectations, they are not a high-energy, high-pressing team. Instead, they focus on throwing numbers forward when they have possession of the ball. This attacking strategy is something that England can potentially exploit, as it is different from what they have encountered in previous matches.
Denzel Dumfries, the Dutch right-back, plays a crucial role in their attacking setup. He pushes high up the pitch, often leaving space behind for England to exploit during turnovers in possession. This could potentially isolate Stefan de Vrij, a solid defender but not as quick as some of his counterparts. England should look to capitalize on these opportunities to expose him.
Another area where England can find success is in central midfield. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, who like to operate in the pockets in front of the opposition defense, can pose a threat to the Dutch team. The absence of key players such as Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners due to injuries weakens the Dutch midfield. Jerdy Schouten and Tijjani Reijnders, who currently play in that position, are technically skilled but not defensively minded. This presents an opportunity for England to exploit the space in front of them and penetrate the Dutch defense.
There has been speculation that the Dutch coach, Ronald Koeman, might change the team’s formation to match up against England with a three-at-the-back system. However, due to the way the Dutch team plays, they naturally end up in a three-at-the-back formation, with Dumfries pushing forward and Nathan Ake tucking in. This formation resembles the one England used against Switzerland. Both formations have their own imbalances, with players on each flank having different roles. The team that maintains better possession is likely to expose the weaknesses of the other.
Koeman has shown a willingness to make changes when things aren’t working during matches. Against Austria, he brought on Xavi Simons, who transformed the game by playing in an inverted midfield role. In the game against Turkey, Koeman switched to a 4-4-2 formation at halftime, leading to a victory. This flexibility and ability to adapt means that the Dutch team will present different challenges to England depending on how the game unfolds.
While it is preferable for England not to fall behind and have to be reactive, there may come a time in the match when changes are necessary. Just as Koeman won’t hesitate to make adjustments, England should also be proactive in making changes if needed. Learning from the match against Switzerland, where changes were required even before falling behind, Gareth Southgate should be prepared to freshen things up when necessary.
In conclusion, the Netherlands’ adaptability and attacking style provide opportunities for England in the Euro 2024 semi-final. Their ability to react and adjust during matches means that they will present different challenges depending on the flow of the game. England can exploit the Dutch team’s attacking approach and potential defensive weaknesses. The midfield battle could also favor England due to the absence of key Dutch players. Both teams will need to be prepared to make changes when necessary to secure victory.