Netherlands vs England: Preview, predictions and lineups

England face the Netherlands for the first time at a major tournament in 28 years with a place in the Euro 2024 final at stake on Wednesday night.

The Three Lions produced one of their all-time great performances during their meeting with a star-studded Dutch side at Euro 96, winning 4-1 on their way to a semi-final berth on home soil.

The pair have avoided each other on the big stage since, but their success in the knockouts this summer has led them on a collision course in the last four.

Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands have come on strong after an underwhelming group stage. They brushed aside Romania in the round of 16 before coming from behind to topple Turkey in the quarters. They’re now aiming to reach the final of this competition for just the second time having lifted the trophy in 1988 – also held in Germany.

England continue to struggle through the tournament, but their ability to produce when it matters has seen them advance into their third semi-final with Gareth Southgate at the helm. Bukayo Saka’s pinpoint effort from distance saved the Three Lions against Switzerland and they went on to produce a stunning performance in the penalty shootout.

They’re far from swashbuckling, but Southgate’s squad boasts the requisite knowhow and they’re continuing to find ways to win.

Here’s 90min’s preview of England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.

Netherlands vs England H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Koeman has found his formula in the knockout stages and he’ll likely resist the clamours from back home to start Wout Weghorst on Wednesday. Memphis Depay should continue as the Netherlands’ leading man up top.

Tijjani Reijnders has impressed since dropping into a deeper midfield position alongside Jerdy Schouten, with Xavi Simons occupying pockets between the lines.

There are unlikely to be changes to Koeman’s…