Despite falling down to a late goal by Breel Embolo just before the final whistle in Dusseldorf, the Three Lions defeated Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the European Championship to advance to their fourth consecutive semi-final overall.
After a thrilling equalizer by Bukayo Saka, extra time was needed to determine the winner of a closely contested match, and spot kicks were eventually needed. England proceeded to expertly convert all five of their penalties, and Jordan Pickford turned away from Manuel Akanji, meaning that Southgate's team prevailed for the second consecutive time.
It has been a far from convincing voyage thus far, having already hobbled through the group stage before needing Jude Bellingham's incredible strike to launch a comeback against Slovakia. However, in knockout football, outcomes are all that matter.
Despite falling down to a late goal by Breel Embolo just before the final whistle in Dusseldorf, the Three Lions defeated Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the European Championship to advance to their fourth consecutive semi-final overall.
After a thrilling equalizer by Bukayo Saka, extra time was needed to determine the winner of a closely contested match, and spot kicks were eventually needed. England proceeded to expertly convert all five of their penalties, and Jordan Pickford turned away from Manuel Akanji, meaning that Southgate's team prevailed for the second consecutive time.
It has been a far from convincing voyage thus far, having already hobbled through the group stage before needing Jude Bellingham's incredible strike to launch a comeback against Slovakia. However, in knockout football, outcomes are all that matter.
England will attempt to become just the sixth team to qualify for successive European Championship finals in Southgate's 101st game in command, but a well-known opponent stands in their way of a spot in Sunday's Berlin finale.
The Three Lions are coming up against the Netherlands in their fourth major tournament matchup; the Oranje triumphed 3-1 on their way to success at Euro '88, courtesy of a hat-trick from Marco van Basten; a forgettable goalless draw at the 1990 World Cup was followed by a memorable 4-1 victory over England in 1996.
But history is not on the side of an English squad full of offensive potential that hasn't been able to settle into a groove or win over supporters, having won only one of the past nine encounters between the two countries across all tournaments.
Of all nine meetings, the most recent was in a UEFA Nations League semi-final, which the Netherlands won 3-1 after extra time. Ronald Koeman and Garry Southgate were also in the dugouts for that match.
The latter led his nation to its first-ever European semifinal last weekend at Berlin's Olympiastadion, defeating a fierce Turkish team. Similar to England, the Dutch needed a comeback to guarantee their spot in the round of sixteen.
After trailing 1-0 and seems about to give up, Stefan de Vrij, an unexpected hero, tied the score in the 70th minute, and shortly after, Mert Muldur's own goal was caused by tournament expert Cody Gakpo.
Koeman's team is attempting to win a second European championship, having won the Henri Delaunay trophy in Germany 36 summers prior. They are now advancing through the 'weaker' portion of the draw, having only finished third in Group D.
The Oranje were dealt a rather nice last-16 encounter against Romania, which they eventually prevailed 3-0, after victories over Poland, France, and Austria, as well as an entertaining loss.
The Netherlands, with a miserable record of four losses from the previous five games, will try to win just a second European Championship semi-final match, but the weight of history is heavy on their shoulders. The team is captained by Virgil van Dijk.
Luke Shaw is the only specialist left-back in Gareth Southgate's squad, so fans have been eagerly awaiting his return. The Manchester United defender missed England's first four games while recovering from a hamstring injury, but he has since declared himself fit to start.
However, given that Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka are once more anticipated to occupy either flank, that situation is still doubtful.
Marc Guehi, who made an impression earlier in the competition, will now have to compete with Ezri Konsa for a spot in central defense when he returns from suspension. It's unclear if this will happen in a three- or four-man rearguard, or a combination of the two.
Since it has been confirmed that Harry Kane's cramps are the only reason he was substituted during extra time last weekend, the record goalscorer for the Three Lions will be able to continue his excellent play in the Euros knockout phase. No player has ever scored more goals in the elimination rounds than Kane (five, tied with Antoine Griezmann).
Only two players—Viktor Ponedelnik and Valentin Ivanov, who both scored for the USSR in 1960 and 1964—have ever scored at this level of successive European Championships. Kane scored against Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final.
Wout Weghorst's halftime substitution against Turkey altered the outcome of their quarterfinal match, so the Netherlands will need to make a crucial decision in the final third.
Ronald Koeman, who just declared that he will remain in his position until 2026, has opened the possibility of the Burnley striker starting with Memphis Depay; although, it is more likely that he will have an impact role off the bench. Six of the nine goals scored by the Oranje this summer and 63.5% of their efforts have included one or both of Depay and Cody Gakpo.
The Netherlands are the only side with several players in double figures for both shots and opportunities made at Euro 2024, thanks to the performances of Depay (17 shots, 10 chances created) and Gakpo (13 shoots, 11 chances created).
The Burnley striker may start alongside Memphis Depay under new manager Ronald Koeman, who just announced that he will hold his current job until 2026. However, it is more probable that he will have an effect off the bench. One or both of Depay and Cody Gakpo have been involved in six of the Oranje's nine goals this summer, or 63.5% of their total attempts.
Thanks to the efforts of Depay (17 shots, 10 chances created) and Gakpo (13 shoots, 11 chances produced), the Netherlands are the only team with several players in double figures for both shots and opportunities made at Euro 2024.
