England and the Netherlands, obligation against illusion

Only one match is left to find out who will be its finalists European Cup. The last place is battle between England and Netherlandsa rivalry where great pressure falls on the ‘pros’, who have been favorites for this Euro Cup, while few have put ‘Oranje’ in the pool.

There is a thorn in the side of Southgate. As the prospect of reaching the final approaches, the memory of 2021 becomes more bitter, falling at Wembley in a penalty shootout against Italy. The British are also favorites in this context, but now more so than previous players like this Phil Foden or Jude Bellingham. It is true that their game is not in sync and that has been the most questioned in these weeks in Germany, although the truth is, with ‘h’ or with ‘b’, they have advanced the games, the latter. in the penalty shootout against Switzerland.

The positive note is that in the quarterfinals, even if they had to go through the lottery, Southgate finally changed England’s playing system. He demands himself and moves to center Foden and Bellingham, with a 3-4-3 that he will also repeat this Wednesday against Netherlands. At the level of the game, a big difference was noticed, moving the ball faster, but that didn’t translate at times, which was unfinished business for the ‘pros’, who were still chasing the chance to win their first Euro.

The only thing that did not end up working in the new method was trippier of lanes. And it seems like he won’t do it again. Luke Shaw, who should play there as a natural position, played his first 40 minutes of the tournament and seemed to have recovered. He did it as a center back, entering through Konsabut to that demarcation it must return Gee, who missed the quarterfinals due to suspension and performed well in Europe. The rest should not be new, nor the fact that Saka plays as a winger, and his MVP against Switzerland proves that he is a good option in that position.

A fight where Jude Bellinghamwho also did not have a good Euro Cup but scored two decisive goals, could be closer to golden ball if you win More after the dismissal of Vinicius Jr. with Brazil in the quarterfinals of the Copa América or Kroos with Germany. If he reaches the final, the Englishman will almost certainly get the award even if he doesn’t win.

To avoid this he is in the front Netherlands. Specifically, 20 years ago, since Euro 2004 where it was the host along with Belgium, which did not reach the semifinals. And what’s more, he hasn’t experienced a final since he was champion in 1988 in the only one he played in and, for the most superstitious, that happened to be played in Germany.

A burning nail to which the team clings Ronald Koeman, which was in their favor to go with very little pressure and the fact that no one thought of them as candidates. A team without Frenkie de Jong and with a few stars, young and some unknowns, who also benefited from falling in the ‘easy’ part of the draw, although to reach the semifinals he had to sweat a lot against Turkey, who were beaten by Portugal at the stage of the group.

There are also doubts about the consistency of the Dutch. With and without the ball. For the most part, many meet the good moment of Cody Gakpo, reunited after a bad spell in Liverpool. He has 3 goals in European Cup, the most tied to Musiala, Mikautadze and Schranz, and forced Müldür’s own goal to overcome Turkey. They also do it in Van Dijk and De Vrijnatural leaders, while having the conviction to see the best Xavi Simonswhich brought him the championship so far.

Probably, however, that Netherlands It is not enough for you. The only doubt in the starting eleven is who will play on the right, yes. Bergwijn either Malenalthough the concern of the fans is in the goal, which Verbruggen has left many doubts about its reliability. Fortunately, it has almost nothing to lose, the Dutch dream big and many times enough is enough.