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NETHERLANDS

GROUP: D PLAYER TO WATCH: Memphis Depay EXPECTED FINISH: Quarter-finals

Netherlands Fixtures

After qualifying for as Group B runners-up, the Netherlands were drawn in Group D – reuniting them with old foes France, who topped the group they shared in qualification. The Dutch will also face Poland and Austria in a section that, if they top it, will see them face the second-placed finisher in Group F (Turkey, Czech Republic, Portugal or Georgia).

A runner-up finish will pit the Oranje against the team that finishes second in Group E, which could be any of Belgium, Ukraine, Romania or Slovakia. Finishing third could still bring knockout stage qualification but would represent an underachievement for Ronald Koeman’s charges.

Here are the Netherlands’ Group D fixtures in full:

Poland vs Netherlands: 16th June (Volksparkstadion)
Netherlands vs France: 21st June (Leipzig Arena)
Netherlands vs Austria: 25th June (Olympiastadion)

Standings

Venues

Key players

Memphis Depay

Caps (goals): 90 (44)

Position: Forward

Club: Atletico Madrid

Though he has found himself in and out of the starting XI at club level this season, Memphis Depay remains the key attacking threat for the Netherlands. With 44 goals for his country, only Robin van Persie (50) has more for the Oranje. If fit and firing, Depay could come close to equalling this during the summer.

The former Manchester United man is a pacey, skilful player and difficult for defenders to stop. He also possesses an outstanding ability from free kicks, both in attempts on goal and providing chances for others. He has won La Liga and the Eredivisie during his career, as well as helping the Netherlands to a third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup.

Virgil van Dijk

Caps (goals): 66 (7)

Position: Defender

Club: Liverpool

Defensive colossus Virgil van Dijk has cemented his status as one of the in the world over the past half-decade or so and is cited by many as one of the greatest defenders of his generation. His strength, ability and leadership qualities are vital not just to the Netherlands but also his club side Liverpool. After Van Dijk helped the club end a 30-year wait for a league title in 2020, the following campaign he suffered an injury which ruled him out of that summer’s European Championships. Liverpool could not defend the Premier League title, with many stating the main reason was the absence of Van Dijk.

Van Dijk is the only defender to win the European Men’s Player of the Year award and, in 2019 also finished runner-up in the Ballon d'Or and the World Men’s Player of the Year award. As well as the Premier League, he has won the Champions League, EFL Cup, FA Cup, European Super Cup and Club World Cup with Liverpool as well as the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish League Cup during his time with Celtic.

Frenkie de Jong

Caps (goals): 54 (2)

Position: Midfielder

Club: Barcelona

One of the Netherlands’ most influential and valuable players, De Jong has endured a few injury struggles this campaign for Barcelona but will be relishing the opportunity to represent his country at the European Championships.

A versatile midfielder who is also capable of operating in defence if required, De Jong would occasionally partner his Dutch team-mate Matthijs de Ligt at centre-back during their time at Ajax. His midfield performances see him make decisive passes, control possession and exhibit some of the finest examples of dribbling you are likely to see.

De Jong has enjoyed winning silverware with both Ajax and Barcelona with Eredivisie, La Liga, the KNVB Cup, Copa Del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup medals in his cabinet.

He will be influential for the Netherlands as they try to win the tournament for the first time since 1988 – when, coincidentally, it was also held in Germany.

Previous performances in the Euros

Winners in 1988, the Netherlands have also made the semi-finals three times since their first appearance at the European Championships in 1976. Disappointing results in the previous two championships have seen group stage and round of 16 exits, so the Dutch will be hoping for better this time around.

Here are the Netherlands’ previous Euros performances in full:

1960: Did not qualify
1964: Did not qualify
1968: Did not qualify
1972. Did not qualify
1976: Third place
1980: Group Stage (third in Group 1)
1984: Did not qualify
1988: Winners (beat the Soviet Union 2-0 in final)
1992: Semi-finals (lost to Denmark on penalties)
1996: Quarter-finals (lost to France on penalties)
2000: Semi-finals (lost to Italy on penalties)
2004: Semi-finals (lost 2-1 to Portugal)
2008: Quarter-finals (lost 3-1 to Russia after extra time)
2012: Group stage (bottom of Group B)
2016: Did not qualify
2020: Round of 16 (lost 2-0 to Czech Republic)

Expectations

With a squad full of talent and experience, Netherlands fans will be expecting Koeman’s men to go far in the Euros this time round.

Disappointing exits in the 2012 and 2021 campaigns – and failing to qualify for 2016 at all – have been low points for the Oranje but recent performances and results have indicated an upturn.

The Netherlands have players that, on their day, are a match for anyone and they will need the experience of Van Dijk, the goals of Depay and the midfield tenacity of De Jong to make an impact this summer.

Odds and player information correct at time of publication but subject to change