The Euro 2024 semi-final showdown between the Netherlands and England is set to ignite Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on Thursday early morning, July 11, 2024, at 02.00 WIB. Football enthusiasts worldwide can catch the live broadcast on RCTI and Vision+.
This highly anticipated match is predicted to be a tightly contested affair, with the tactical battleground potentially dictating which team secures a coveted spot in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin. Let’s delve into the tactical strategies that could unfold in this Netherlands vs England encounter.
Isolating Saka’s Threat
Bukayo Saka has emerged as a pivotal attacking force for England throughout the tournament in Germany. His blistering pace and intricate dribbling have posed significant challenges for opposing defenders. Saka often utilizes a deceptive approach, slowing down with the ball to unbalance defenders before exploding into space, creating opportunities for penetrating runs and shots on goal.
Likely tasked with directly confronting Saka is Nathan Aké, a familiar foe from Premier League clashes between Arsenal and Manchester City. Aké’s teammate, Cody Gakpo, could also provide defensive support, bolstering Ronald Koeman’s tactical flexibility in defense.
However, another compelling option for the Dutch is Micky van de Ven of Tottenham Hotspur, another player well-acquainted with Saka’s capabilities from their Premier League encounters. Van de Ven’s exceptional speed and recovery pace could prove crucial in neutralizing Saka’s threat. He demonstrated his defensive prowess with crucial blocks after entering the match against Turkey.
Netherlands’ Right-Wing Danger
Denzel Dumfries, operating as a dynamic right-back and wing-back, is a key offensive weapon for the Netherlands. His contributions as a crosser, assist provider, and even goal scorer were instrumental in the Oranje’s Round of 16 victory over Romania.
Steven Bergwijn, typically positioned on the right wing, frequently makes incisive runs inside, drawing defenders and creating space for Dumfries to exploit on the flank. This tactical interplay could pose significant problems for England’s left side, particularly in defensive transitions.
Without a natural left-footed player on that flank, England’s left wing could be vulnerable. However, Kieran Trippier, expected to start at left-back, is known for his defensive solidity and experience. The potential return of Luke Shaw could restore natural balance, although his match fitness after injury might limit his effectiveness in containing Dumfries’ dynamic runs.
Clash of Playing Systems
If Gareth Southgate maintains the formation he deployed against Switzerland, this semi-final will present a fascinating tactical duel in Dortmund. Koeman, a staunch disciple of Johan Cruyff, favors a 4-3-3 system. However, England’s three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs could be a decisive factor in controlling the midfield and flanks.
England’s formation places significant responsibility on the wing-backs, Saka and Trippier or Shaw. They are tasked with providing numerical superiority in both attack and defense.
Should Saka and Trippier push too high up the pitch, Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield could become exposed, especially if the Netherlands orchestrate numerical advantages in that area by dropping their wingers deeper. The team that gains dominance in this vital midfield battleground will likely secure their passage to the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.
Image Alt Text: Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij scores a goal against Turkey during the EURO 2024 quarter-final match in Berlin, highlighting Netherlands’ set-piece threat in the upcoming Euro 2024 semi-final against England.
Image URL: https://statik.tempo.co/data/2024/07/11/id_1317847/1317847_720.jpg
