WOLFSBURG, Germany (Reuters) - As England prepares to face the Netherlands in the European Championship semi-finals, the strong Premier League connection on both sides promises an exciting and high-intensity match. Dutch defender Micky van de Ven highlighted this during a press conference on Monday.
The English squad is predominantly home-based, while the Dutch team boasts seven Premier League players out of their 26-man squad. This Premier League influence is expected to elevate the level and rhythm of the game.
"If you see the quality of the players from both teams, I think you can expect that the level and the rhythm of the game will be really high," said Van de Ven. The Tottenham Hotspur defender, who has been used primarily as a substitute in the tournament, expressed hope that the Netherlands would dominate possession and force England to do more running.
"We understand they have taken a lot of flak from the English media, but they are in the semi-finals… that says all it needs to about the English team. I think they play defensively, but we will go and analyze them properly tonight. What I can say is they have a lot of quality," Van de Ven added.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, who has been a standout player for the Dutch team, echoed Van de Ven's sentiments. Gakpo, 25, moved to the Premier League two seasons ago and has shown his versatility in various attacking roles. At Euro 2024, he has shined on the left wing, scoring three goals and becoming the tournament’s joint top scorer.
"Given the quality of players in the England setup, I hope for a really good game on Wednesday," Gakpo said.
As the semi-final approaches, fans can expect a thrilling encounter fueled by the Premier League's influence on both teams. The clash between England and the Netherlands is set to be a highlight of the tournament, showcasing top-tier talent and competitive spirit.
