England v Netherlands: Four key clashes ahead of the Euro 2024 semi-final

Can Virgil Van Dijk handle Harry Kane and Ivan Toney?

KEY CLASH: Virgil van Dijk during the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 football match between Romania and the Netherlands and England's forward Harry Kane during the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final.

Virgil van Dijk v Harry Kane and Ivan Toney 

Trent Alexander-Arnold famously said this week that Virgil would be delighted to see Harry Kane dropped from the England team (even though we all know that won’t happen). But do the stats back that up?

Van Dijk hasn’t lost against Kane, for club or country, during his time at Liverpool, with the only defeats coming during his Southampton days in 2016 and 2017.

However, Kane has scored against the Dutchman six times in 12 games – and that must give England hope, especially as van Dijk hasn’t been in top form so far. Surely Kane is going to spark at some stage?

As for Toney, van Dijk will remember a hugely uncomfortable game against the Brentford man in 2021, in what was the Bees' debut season in the topflight.

Toney memorably battered the Liverpool defence in a bruising 3-3 draw in west London (although he focused mostly on the unfortunate Alexander-Arnold), The Bees forward also scored against van Dijk last season, although the Reds won that one 4-1.

Verdict: Van Dijk in trouble 

Kyle Walker v Cody Gakpo 

Liverpool star Gakpo, who had a poor season at Anfield, says he has been revitalised by Ronald Koeman after being moved to the left wing, and he’s been a stand-out player for the Netherlands in this tournament.

His three goals so far put him joint top of the goalscoring charts and favourite with many bookmakers to stay there.

The key to this match-up, however, is which formation England choose. In a back four, Walker has shown he has lost none of his pace or influence, able to surge forward or get back quickly. But he was more subdued when chosen in a five.

The pair have faced each other only twice in the Premier League, with both games finishing in a draw; so that doesn’t provide much insight.

Gakpo may well feel he will have more space if, as expected, England go for high wing-backs, knowing that Walker is easier to beat when skill rather than pace is the key ingredient. He looks like a man in top form.

Verdict: Gakpo on top 

Bart Verbruggen v England penalty takers 

England will be coming up against something of an unknown in Bart Verbruggen, even if he has already played in the Premier League for Brighton.

At just 21 years old he is the youngest goalkeeper to play at the European Championships for 60 years, and only recently confirmed his place as Albion’s number one - having previously sharing the role with Jason Steele. A controversial policy from then manager Roberto De Zerbi.

So far in this tournament he has looked impressive, however, and has no fears about a shoot-out.

“I’m comfortable with the idea,” he said. “I’ve had penalties scored against me but I’ve also stopped them. If the moment comes against England I’m going to stand, with confidence, and try to be decisive for the team.” 

Verbruggen often turns to his own psychologist to navigate difficult moments, and this one won’t be easy. The battle with Ivan Toney, who doesn’t even look at the ball when taking his kicks, could be fascinating.

Saka should have the upper hand after scoring a spot kick against Verbruggen at the Amex last season, but there's a small worry for England. The Dutchman did once save all three penalties during a shoot-out in the European Conference League for Anderlecht against Ludogorets.

Verdict: England win on penalties (and who thought we’d ever say that) 

Nathan Ake v Phil Foden 

Two players from the same club going up against each other in a Euros semi-final is a story in itself, and this one is intriguing.

Nobody in the Dutch side will know Foden’s strengths and weaknesses better than Ake, who has been at City since 2020 (three years after Foden made his debut but in time to share nine trophies with him so far).

The question here is just how much they will see of each other on the pitch in Dortmund. Ake has been playing at left-back for his national side, whilst Foden has mostly operated on the left or as one of two 10s.

It may be that Ake needs to spend most of his attention on Bukayo Saka, but he’ll know that keeping track of Foden, who regularly finds pockets of space and can beat a man effortlessly, will be equally tough.

The only problem is that Foden, the Footballer of the Year in England, hasn’t registered an assist or a goal so far this tournament (and not even a shot on target last time out against Switzerland).

Gut instinct says that cannot continue.

Verdict: Foden to come out on top