Verdict: England to Win
Best Odds: 15/8
Bookmakers: Bet 365
Holland vs England was once one of the highest-profile international fixtures on the planet, but the Netherlands’ recent decent into football mediocrity, including failure to qualify for both the 2016 Euros and the 2018 World Cup, has taken some of the shine off this fixture. It should still be an excellent match however as neither squad is lacking in talent, and the Dutch should provide a good challenge for England ahead of the World Cup.
Netherlands
When you look at the Holland squad on paper it is difficult to see how they could go far wrong, or at least quite as wrong as they have gone. There are some big name players available to Ronald Koeman, including the likes of Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum, and the former Everton coach will now have to begin rebuilding his nation’s side as they watch the World Cup from home, just as they did with the 2016 European Championships.
The qualification campaign turned out to be a nightmare for the Dutch, even if they only just missed out on a place in Russia due to goal difference. Both France and Sweden finished higher than Koeman’s side, despite the Netherlands winning six of their 10 games. It was perhaps the 12 goals conceded, double the number that France allowed, that held them back, as well as a costly defeat to Bulgaria away from home.
Interestingly however Holland have won their last five games, scoring 12 goals and conceding just twice. They haven’t played an international game since Koeman took over however, so this game against England will be an intriguing prospect, but they are in excellent form. Whether the Dutch can turn their fortunes around remains to be seen, but many a neutral will hope for the sake of football that they will be back competing at the top again soon.
Team News
Squad: Marco Bizot, Jasper Cillessen, Jeroen Zoet, Patrick van Aanholt, Nathan Ake, Virgil van Dijk, Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Hans Hateboer, Matthijs de Ligt, Kenny Tete, Stefan de Vrij, Donny van de Beek, Davy Proepper, Marten de Roon , Kevin Strootman, Guus Til, Tonny Vilhena, Georginio Wijnaldum, Ryan Babel, Steven Berghuis, Memphis Depay, Bas Dost, Justin Kluivert, Quincy Promes, Wout Weghorst
England
As football sides go, England are arguably one of the most frustrating and difficult to support through major tournaments, and that owes a lot to the fact that the Three Lions seem to be unbeatable in qualifying and friendlies, but simply collapse on the big stage. Gareth Southgate’s men crashed out of the 2016 Euros in what seemed like an embarrassing fashion, losing to an Iceland side that we now actually know is one that should be taken very seriously on the international stage.
In qualification for the World Cup however England didn’t lose a game, winning eight times and drawing twice on their way to topping Group F by eight points. With 18 goals scored and just three conceded, the famous footballing nation lived up to the ridiculous standards of the fans, but there is a constant feeling that as soon as the real competition arrives it just won’t click for this talented group of players.
The squad selected by Southgate is a hugely impressive one, but the coach is still experimenting with formations, systems and personnel ahead of the summer. There is a nice balance of youth and experience, but many an England squad has been packed with talent and failed to produce results. In this friendly against Holland however the Three Lions are well placed to grab the win, especially given their highly impressive form heading into this clash.
Team News
Squad: Joe Hart, Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland, Nick Pope, Kyle Walker, Kieran Tripper, Ryan Bertrand, Danny Rose, John Stones, James Tarkowski, Alfie Mawson, Joe Gomez, Harry Maguire, Eric Dier, Jack Wilshere, Jordan Henderson, Jake Livermore, Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard, Lewis Cook, Danny Welbeck, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford
Key Factors to Consider
- Holland have won six of their last 10 games.
- Ronald Koeman’s side have conceded 12 times across that stretch of games.
- England are unbeaten in their last 10 games.
- The Three Lions have scored 18 times across that stretch of games.
- England have won just one of their last 13 games against Holland.
Conclusion
While Holland do have a highly impressive squad, there is a reason that they haven’t manage to make it to either of the last two major international tournaments. The Dutch have been disarray for a while and that has affected their on-pitch performances. This England squad meanwhile is full of promise and talent, which should allow them to claim the win here.
Verdict: England to Win
Best Odds: 15/8
Bookmakers: Bet 365
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