Euro 2024: Netherlands look to bring firepower to Germany - Team Preview:

Netherlands have had a turbulent time in the past 8 years but have turned a corner in the recent past. Ahead of Euro 2024, the Dutch come into the tournament as dark horses. The last time a European championship was held in Germany, the Netherlands were victorious. However, the 1988 triumph remains their only major tournament success. They will be hopeful that the same fortune awaits them 36 years on. Netherlands have secured two 4-0 victories against Canada and Iceland in their final warm-up games before flying out to their base camp in Wolfsburg for their group fixtures. Following the victory against Iceland, captain Virgil Van Dijk told NOS sport: “We got two 4-0 victories in a row, of course this boosts our confidence! “But now it’s time for the real deal in Germany, we want to create something special.”

By Bilal PatelUpdated June 11, 2024, 11:31 am ET

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Group D Fixtures Overview:

Netherlands have been drawn into Group D as tricky opposition awaits them.

One thing the team will focus on is their performance against the bigger nations.

Ronald Koeman's side have the chance to avenge their two qualifier defeats to France as the two nations were drawn in the same group.

Their opening group fixture will take place against Poland who booked their spot via the play-offs.

Netherlands final group game will be against Austria who were impressive during the qualifiers and will be a tough test.

The Dutch will rely on their defence if they are to progress from the group. In their qualifying matches, they only conceded seven goals in eight matches, whilst keeping five clean sheets.

Key Opposition Players in Group D:

Robert Lewandowski will be a threat with the Polish International set to make his fourth European championship appearance.

Kylian Mbappe will lead a strong France side this summer. Mbappe scored a double in the teams previous two encounters.

Austria have a well rounded squad. In particular, Marcel Sabistzer will be influential if they are to make it out of the group. The midfielder scored four goals during qualifiers.

Likely Starting XI:

Netherlands have just announced that Frankie De Jong will no longer be a part of the squad.

The Barcelona man was initially in Koeman’s plans but the 27-year-old has been nursing an ankle injury that has kept him out.

Frenkie de Jong won’t participate at EURO 2024. 😔

We are with you, Frenkie. 🧡#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/JlR3V5ETyZ

— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 10, 2024

The Dutch squad contains a mix of youth and experience as they head to Germany.

Koeman may have a selection headache in the midfield and forward areas.

Ahead of the first match against Poland, this is how Netherlands are expected to line-up.

The Dutch are expected to set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, despite experimenting with a 4-2-3-1 combination in the recent friendlies.

Brighton’s Mark Verbuggen is expected to be the main goalkeeper ahead of Brentford keeper Mark Flekken.

The Centre-backs will most likely include, Van Dijk, Mathias De Ligt and Nathan Ake.

The Right-Wing-back position will be occupied by Denzel Dumfries and Daley Blind could play at Left-wing-back.

The two central midfield spots will likely be taken by Tijjani Reijnders who has been a regular for the Dutch and Jerdy Schouten who is used as a more defensive option. Former Liverpool player Georginio Wijnaldum could be used as an option from the bench.

The front three will most likely consist of Coady Gakpo, Memphis Depay and Woug Weghorst. Young player Xavi Simons could also make a claim to be in the starting team.