England are through to the semifinals of the 2024 European Championships, although they didn’t make it easy for themselves or anybody watching
While they were significantly better than any other game that they had played, they had still required another game in which they required additional time to get the job done. Having progressed to the quarterfinals with a dramatic win against Slovakia in extra time, Gareth Southgate’s side needed penalties to edge past Switzerland and book their place in the last four.
To reach the final, they will need to defeat The Netherlands. If they are successful, they will face either France or Spain for the title that they came so close to winning three years ago. Failure in penalties against Italy had cost them dearly in front of their home crowd at Wembley. Indeed, there will be many that will be using an odds calculator to try and work out what a potential return to the final could be worth in betting terms, but everyone knows it’s not wise to overlook the Oranje…
The Netherlands pose a tricky threat
It would be fair to say that the Netherlands will pose the biggest challenge to England in this year’s tournament, which will concern many of those who follow the Three Lions.
As mentioned, Southgate’s side have been rather flat and disappointing in terms of their performances so far. There have been criticisms leveled at the manager for his team selections, while some players haven’t produced what many expected them to.
Despite winning their group, it would be fair to say they struggled. A win and two draws in a group many had expected would finish with three wins highlights many of the concerns people have, as does the requirement of additional time in games that they have fallen behind first in both.
With that said, The Netherlands haven’t been all that great themselves. They qualified as one of the best third-placed teams in a group that contained France (with Austria the surprise winners), They have been more convincing in the knockout stages, though, which may cause England trouble.
The Oranje defeated Romania 3-0 with relative ease, but their match against Turkey saw that they needed to find another gear. They went behind, but two quick-fire goals in the second half were enough for them to progress.
Will England defeat The Netherlands?
Bettors who have used the detailed guides that are offered by Pinnacle will have looked at the odds being offered and will likely feel that the bookies have it right in saying England are the slight favorites heading into the contest.
They arguably have the better squad and talent, but fans will be quick to add that they aren’t quite gelling or performing to the best of their abilities at the moment. Nonetheless, they’ve done what they need to and have got to a semifinal. With one more win needed to reach the final, it could be what’s needed to add extra motivation to their display.
The Netherlands won’t roll over and have their own threats in the squad. On paper, it would appear England are the favorites, but as any football fan knows, there are so many different variables and factors that can happen on the pitch between the first and final whistle, especially when a place in the 2024 European Championships final is up for grabs.
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