The Netherlands have been forced to cancel their pre-match press conference due to travel disruptions ahead of their Euro 2024 semi-final against England. Manager Ronald Koeman and player Nathan Ake were set to speak to the media, but their train from Wolfsburg to Dortmund was canceled due to a track blockage. The Dutch team will now fly to Dortmund, with their flight scheduled to depart at 8:20 pm, over half an hour after the press conference was supposed to start.
Impact on Preparations
This travel disruption has created an unusual setback for the Netherlands’ preparations for the crucial match against England. England, aiming to capitalize on this disturbance, will be looking to secure a spot in the final. The fixture at Borussia Dortmund’s historic Westfalenstadion will be the first time since 1996 that England has faced the Dutch in a European Championship match.
Historic Rivalry
In their last European Championship encounter, Alan Shearer and Teddy Sheringham led England to a 4-1 victory over the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium. Tomorrow’s match is expected to be similarly intense, with a vocal crowd supporting the Three Lions. However, England fans will likely be outnumbered in Dortmund, as a large contingent of Dutch supporters is set to descend on the city.
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Dutch Fans’ Presence
The Netherlands supporters, known for their colorful outfits and lively dancing, have been a highlight of Euro 2024. They will occupy the ‘Yellow Wall’ at Westfalenstadion, with England fans in a smaller terrace at the opposite end of the stadium. This vocal battle off the pitch adds to the anticipation of a thrilling semi-final clash.
England’s Squad Update
England manager Gareth Southgate has been boosted by the return of full-back Luke Shaw, who played in the quarter-final victory against Switzerland. Shaw, who has faced several setbacks in his recovery, expressed his readiness for the semi-final.
“I feel fit and ready to go,” Shaw said. “The last four months have been really tough. At the start I was expected to come back a lot sooner, but I went through a lot of setbacks.”
He added, “It was really nice to get on the other night and get some minutes – I’ve been itching. I have a lot to thank Gareth, Steve [Holland], and the medical staff for their support.”
The Road to the Final
The winner of the England vs. Netherlands match will face either France or Spain in Sunday’s final. France and Spain are set to battle it out for a spot in the final later tonight.