Netherlands v England, Friday 23rd March, 7.45pm
England begin their build-up to the rapidly approaching World Cup on Friday when they make the short-trip over to the Netherlands. Gareth Southgate will face off against the new Holland boss, Ronald Koeman, who has been tasked with inspiring a revival in Oranje fortunes following the country’s failure to qualify for back-to-back major tournaments.
Form Guide
Holland may have changed manager, bringing in Koeman for Dick Advocaat, but they are in fact in decent form, winning their last five games on the spin, and eight of the last nine dating back to last March. The country’s only defeat during this spell was a 4-0 spanking away to France, although it’s worth noting that the other eight games were against teams placed 19th or lower in the current FIFA World Rankings.
England have only lost twice in 15 matches since that shock defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016 (away to Germany and France). The Three Lions jet over to Amsterdam unbeaten in six games, however they are winless since October having drawn both of their last two outings against Germany and Brazil.
Head-To-Head
Look away now England fans, Holland have dominated this fixture for some time. The Dutch are unbeaten in seven encounters (3W 4D) dating back to that famous 4-1 defeat at Euro 1996, which is England’s only victory in the last 13 battles. Oranje will now be looking to record their third straight win over The Three Lions, who haven’t won in Holland since 1935.
Did You Know?
England haven’t beaten Netherlands since Euro 1996 (4-1).
Netherlands have only lost 1 of the last 13 encounters between the countries.
Friday’s clash is Ronald Koeman first match in charge of Holland.
The returning Jack Wilshere hasn’t played for England since 2016.
Team News
Considering that it’s Koeman’s first game in charge it’s difficult to predict what sort of team the former Everton boss will field. However, he has included five uncapped players in his first squad, including Patrick Kluivert’s son Justin who could be set to make his debut, while Liverpool duo Virgil Van Dijk and Georginio Wijnaldum, and former Man Utd winger Memphis Depay are all in contention to start. Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben will not be present as they’ve both retired from international football.
Harry Kane’s absence is a big blow for Southgate, however it does mean he can try out a few other options in attack, with Leicester’s in-form Jamie Vardy (2/1 to score) expected to start. Jack Wilshere returns from international exile after two years, and has every chance of being named in the first-11, while Marcus Rashford and Dele Alli could also be employed from the get-go.
Southgate has brought in James Tarkowski, Alfie Mawson, Lewis Cook and Nick Pope, with the latter battling it out with Joe Hart, Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland for a start in between the sticks.
Prediction
Netherlands have been handed odds of 31/20 (Bet365) to record their sixth successive win, and third victory in a row over England who are priced at 21/10. Alternatively, a draw looks with the best bet at 9/4, with a 1-1 scoreline priced at 5/1, while a third straight England goalless draw can be backed at 15/2. England have only netted four goals in their last five, but defensively they’ve been strong, registering four consecutive clean sheets - with Bet365 pricing England at 12/5 to record another shutout on Friday.
Netherlands 1-1 England
