England’s cautious approach may lead to extra-time once again when they face the Netherlands.
England suffered disappointment in the last European Championship final and now the Netherlands stand between them and getting back to the final in this year’s tournament.
The Three Lions have ground out results without playing particularly well and will need to improve to see off the Dutch, who beat Romania 3-0 in their round of 16 clash before getting the better of Turkey 2-1 in the last eight.
Those results and performances have been stronger than England’s, so Gareth Southgate’s men can take nothing for granted in this game.
- THE DRAW
- HARRY KANE TO SCORE ANY TIME
- KIERAN TRIPPIER TO BE SHOWN A CARD
Stalemate Likely
England have now drawn their last four games in 90 minutes and it is not hard to make the case for them repeating the trick in this clash.
They needed a late Jude Bellingham equaliser to take their round of 16 match against Slovakia to extra-time before Harry Kane won it, while they required penalties to see off Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
Their cautious approach means they tend to be risk averse and even with their change of shape last time out against Switzerland, Bukayo Saka’s 80th minute equaliser was their first shot on target.
They have a stronger squad than the Netherlands on paper, but will need to improve again if they are to get the better of these opponents in this one.
Four of the last eight meetings between these two have ended in stalemate and both teams are unlikely to throw caution to the wind now considering how close they are to the final.
Side with the stalemate to land once again and for the drama to go beyond 90 minutes.
DRAW
Kane Value To Find The Net
Harry Kane’s performances at this year’s Euros have been singled out for plenty of criticism, but despite that he has still scored two of England’s five goals.
The Bayern Munich man netted 44 times in 45 games for his new club last season and is the Three Lions’ record goalscorer, having scored 65 times in 96 appearances for his country.
Kane has a habit of being in the right place at the right time and looks a big price to get on the scoresheet considering his record for delivering.
KANE TO SCORE ANY TIME
Netherlands vs England
Trippier Could Fall Foul Of The Referee
England have been sweating on the fitness of Luke Shaw throughout this tournament and, despite coming on against Switzerland, the left wing-back may not be ready to start here.
Kieran Trippier is likely to deputise and could be a strong candidate for a card.
The Newcastle man was booked five times in 26 Premier League starts last season and has already been shown a card this tournament.
TRIPPIER TO BE SHOWN A CARD
