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Hasselbaink’s expertise expected to prove valuable during Dutch examination
Trent Alexander-Arnold is counting on the insights of former Netherlands star Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to be a valuable asset as England’s assistant coach aims to secure victory over the Dutch in Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final.
Since joining Gareth Southgate’s coaching staff in March 2023, the former Leeds, Chelsea, and Middlesbrough striker has been praised for his contribution to Saturday’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
England’s rising talent Jude Bellingham lauded assistant coach Hasselbaink for his expertise in penalties following a victory that secured a spot in the Euro 2024 semi-finals against his native country, scheduled for Wednesday in Dortmund.
When questioned whether the former Netherlands striker would offer any specific advice to England, Alexander-Arnold responded, “I’m uncertain.”
“I’m confident he’ll contribute to the discussions with the manager and Steve (Holland) and that his knowledge will prove valuable.”
“Absolutely, any advantage we can leverage to secure the win, we should take.”
“Clearly, he was a top player during his career, so he possesses a deep understanding of the game and can empathize with us as players.”
“He’s familiar with the pressures and all that comes with being a footballer, especially in tournament settings, so having him around is beneficial.”
“He dedicates substantial time to coaching our attacking players, more so than anyone else on the staff. His expertise extends to penalty techniques and other crucial aspects of the game, making him a valuable asset to our coaching team Bongdalu.”
‘Yamal, the sensation of Euro 2024: Spain’s tale of logic-defiance’
In the newest episode of the Next Up series, Sky Sports delves deep into the career of Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal, featuring insights from his coaches at La Masia.
The 16-year-old is heavily favored to win the Young Player of the Tournament award following his impressive displays at Euro 2024.
Yamal and Spain are on the cusp of glory, with just two games standing between them and the final as they gear up to face France tonight in the semi-final.
“Despite not being entirely fit, Kane is expected to be in the starting lineup against the Netherlands.”
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett said:
“Harry Kane stands as the pinnacle of England’s goal-scoring legacy, with an impressive tally of 51 goals from 57 appearances for both his club and country this season alone. Any suggestion from other nations that questions Kane’s involvement is met with incredulous laughter.”
“Trent Alexander-Arnold remarked that his Liverpool colleague Virgil van Dijk, who is set to face off against Kane, would relish the prospect of not having to contend with him on the field.”
“Kane’s participation is assured, making it nearly a moot point, yet it does shed light on the challenges currently facing England.”
“During that quarter-final match, Bukayo Saka frequently surged past his wing-back to deliver several promising crosses, but on many occasions, Kane was unable to keep pace with the play.”
“He’s insisting he’s fit, but I’m not convinced. The back issue that troubled him at the end of the season is still affecting his performance in this tournament. While he’s able to take the field, he doesn’t seem to be at his usual sharpness, which is worrying.”
Which team do you think will emerge victorious in Euro 2024?
According to Opta’s supercomputer, France and Spain are closely matched as the top favorites to win Euro 2024.
The two strong contenders will face off in the semi-finals on Tuesday, with each team given a 30 percent chance by experts of reaching the final.
England have emerged as the third favorites with a 23 percent chance, surpassing their upcoming opponents, the Netherlands, who have a 16.2 percent chance.
Previewing England’s upcoming Euro 2024 clash | Highlights from the Netherlands’ top Premier League moments
Before England’s upcoming Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, take a look back at some memorable moments from the Dutch squad in the Premier League. Watch highlights showcasing impressive goals and saves by Cody Gakpo, Virgil van Dijk, Bart Verbruggen, and others!
The latest episode of The Essential Euros podcast: Semi-finals preview with special guest Chesney Hawkes!
In the newest episode of the Essential Euros podcast, Izzy Christiansen, Mark Ogden, Rob Dorsett, and Chesney Hawkes provide insights ahead of the semi-finals. England gears up to meet the Netherlands, while Spain prepares for a clash against France.
Juliette Ferrington previews the upcoming clash between the Three Lions and Ronald Koeman’s team in Dortmund this Wednesday, joined by former Lioness Izzy Christiansen and journalist Mark Ogden.
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett updates us from the England camp, while Sky Sports football journalist Sam Blitz shares his insights.
Additionally, we have England supporter and music icon Chesney Hawkes joining us, sharing his rendition of “Hey Jude,” discussing players like Bellingham and Rice, and recounting his experience of going on stage during penalty shootouts.
Rice: We stand prepared to make history
Declan Rice is confident that England is poised to make history by clinching Euro 2024 Thapcam TV, aiming to break a 58-year drought for significant men’s trophies.
Gareth Southgate’s team will take on the Netherlands in the semifinals on Wednesday, aiming to secure a spot in consecutive finals.
The men’s team came closest to matching the achievements of the 1966 World Cup winners when they lost in a penalty shoot-out to Italy at Euro 2020.
He mentioned, “I don’t place excessive pressure on myself, nor do I dwell on it. Wednesday night is simply another football match.”
“It’s a semi-final, and that’s my only focus, to be honest with you. We’re here with purpose, and so are the Netherlands. Let the best team prevail.”
“It’s just football; we’re riding a great wave of momentum right now. Even though we’re in our own bubble, we catch glimpses of the excitement back home through videos. It’s surreal, really. We’re focused on our game, but I’ve received plenty of texts about the country buzzing with anticipation.”
“We aim to keep making memories for everyone, including ourselves. We’re ready to make history, aiming to achieve what hasn’t been done since 1966—following in the footsteps of the women’s team who’ve already achieved it.”
“I believe we hold them in high regard. When you consider the Dutch history, the caliber of players and managers they have developed over the years, it’s clear they’ve consistently been a leading nation in football.”
“I won’t belittle them; it’s a crucial match. They’ve earned their spot in the semis for a reason. We’re ready for the challenge and feeling confident. To all our supporters, keep backing us.”
“Please continue to show your support, as we thrive on that positive energy. Hopefully, we can make history once more by reaching consecutive finals. Fingers crossed!”
“Rice has been on the field for every minute of England’s journey in Germany, even enduring two 120-minute matches against Slovakia and Switzerland – the latter won through a penalty shootout – to advance to the semi-finals.”
During this period, the Arsenal star, signed for a record £105 million, has surpassed all others in the league by covering the most ground.
“I’ve been at it since last July too,” he shared with Lions’ Den.
“We began in July last year and haven’t stopped since. This is our profession, what we train for: 90-minute football matches. With experience, you learn how to pace yourself—you know when to push and when to conserve energy.”
Rice, aged 25, thrives on the big stage, demonstrating his prowess by ranking second in tackles and fourth in ball recoveries at the Euros, a testament to his performance.
“I find that in bigger games, my motivation increases and I often get bursts of energy,” he elaborated.
“Even my teammates at Arsenal and here say I run excessively, but it’s just who I am. I enjoy supporting my teammates, winning back possession, and doing everything possible to secure victories,” he explained.
“To be frank, I do keep an eye on the stats and heat maps. As a midfielder, I believe it’s crucial to cover ground. Being inactive and uninvolved is not how I want to play; I strive to contribute fully,” he reflected.
Sane has successful surgery on his groin
Leroy Sane has successfully undergone surgery on his groin.
The minimally invasive procedure occurred on Monday after Germany’s elimination from Euro 2024.
A statement from Bayern Munich also mentioned, “The Bayern forward had been struggling with pain towards the end of last season.”
“The 28-year-old is anticipated to rejoin team training by late July, alongside other players who participated in the Euros.”
Shaw declares himself fit to start against the Dutch, while Guehi is pushing for a place in the lineup
Luke Shaw has announced his readiness to start for England in their Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.
After making a long-awaited return from injury as a substitute during the quarter-final shoot-out victory over Switzerland, the left-back is now vying for a starting position on Wednesday.
“Yeah, definitely. I believe I’m ready to start,” he stated. “But ultimately, it’s up to Gareth [Southgate] to decide. I feel physically prepared and eager to play.”
Shaw disclosed that he had been on track to be ready for England’s second or third game of the tournament, but a setback during training postponed his return to action.
“Mentally, my motivation was to contribute to England,” he explained. “I felt at the beginning of this tournament that we had a strong chance to advance far. My focus was on recovering my fitness and supporting the team as much as possible.”
“I’m feeling good and I hope I get another chance to show Gareth that he made the right choice in trusting me.”
Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett suggests that Marc Guehi might be poised to start in the semi-final, having returned from suspension.
“Perhaps the only alteration he might contemplate is Marc Guehi, now that he’s available after suspension, stepping in for Ezri Konsa – though it would be difficult for Konsa, given his excellent performance against Switzerland. Guehi had been England’s standout defender throughout the tournament until then.”
