The 2024 UEFA European Championship continues this afternoon with Netherlands and England in a crucial semifinal clash. The Three Lions are looking to return to their second consecutive final, whereas the Dutch hope to return to the big stage for the first time in nearly four decades.
Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany plays host to this decisive duel. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. CT on Wednesday. Fox will have nationwide coverage in the United States. Let's break down the odds.
Euro 2024 preview: Netherlands vs. England odds, prediction, best bet
Despite finishing third in Group D, the Netherlands has pieced it together in the knockout stages. The Oranje have begun to click in the final third with their attack scoring five times in the last two matches. Now, Ronald Koeman's team must break down one of the most stubborn defenses on the planet.
England has continued to advance in this tournament, despite going behind in both of its knockout round matches. Many believe the Three Lions haven't lived up to their potential yet, but do they have another gear fans haven't seen yet? Gareth Southgate is hoping to guide his side to yet another final as manager amid all of the scrutiny.
Let’s take a closer look at the odds and trends ahead of this highly anticipated clash:
Netherlands vs. England
Time/TV: Wednesday, July 10 at 2 p.m. CT (Fox)
Location: Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany
Moneyline: Netherlands +220 | Draw +175 | England +165
Preview
Southgate has come under fire for the style of England's play at the Euros. The Three Lions have been extremely conservative, despite possessing one of the most talented attacking units. Southgate's squad now finds itself in another semifinal amid all of the criticism.
The team's style of play may frustrate fans, but it has proven to be effective. England has allowed just three goals across five games. The issue is that the Three Lions are often the first team to concede, which isn't a sustainable method of victory. Southgate's defensive style can work, the manager just needs to get more out of his attack before going behind, instead of leaving it late.
Luke Shaw was fit enough to feature in England's win over Switzerland off the bench. If he could start on Wednesday, this could fix one of the Three Lions' biggest issues in the build-up on the left.
On the other side, it's no secret how Koeman will set up his side. The Dutch will line up in a 4-2-3-1 (or a variation of a 4-3-3) and look to control possession. The Oranje have had a majority of possession in every game at this tournament except one when they drew with France.
The Netherlands has found the back of the net nine times across five games, largely due to Cody Gakpo stepping up in a second consecutive major tournament. The Dutch talisman is one of two players (Spain's Dani Olmo being the other) still alive in the tournament on three goals. If he gets on the scoresheet again, Koeman will like his team's chances of grabbing a victory.
Even though England is the more inconsistent of the two attacks, the Three Lions have more depth and talent overall in the final third. Southgate's squad is also more experienced in these tournament experiences. I like England to narrowly edge out the Oranje for these reasons.
Prediction
Netherlands 0-1 England
Best bet
England to qualify for the next round (-132 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
