Netherlands’ manager Ronald Koeman selected 26 players from the preliminary squad set to travel to Germany for the Euro Championship on 29 May 2024. The Dutch will compete against two-time winners France, Poland and Austria with their journey in Group D starting on 16th June 2024. The team could only make it to the last-16 stage last time out and managed a quarterfinal finish in the 2022 FIFA World Cup so they will be desperate to shine in this competition. In his second stint, Koeman hopes his first major tournament with the national team will be worthwhile.
History
The Netherlands have participated in 10 Euros since making their debut in 1976. However, they only won the competition once in 1988 beating the Soviet Union. Manager Koeman was part of the winning squad having legends like Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten and captain Ruud Gullit. The latter two scored in the final to claim the silverware. That was also the last time the ‘Oranje Shirts’ entered the showpiece, not moving out of the last four since. Koeman helped the Dutch return to the international stage for the first time since the 2014 World Cup in Euro 2020 but joined FC Barcelona later. Frank de Boer took charge during the tournament but the Netherlands suffered a miserable ending by suffering a shock last-16 elimination against the Czech Republic.
Netherlands squad for Euro 2024
Goalkeepers:
Justin Bijlow (Feyenoord), Mark Flekken (Brentford), Bart Verbruggen (Brighton)
Defenders:
Daley Blind (Girona), Van Dijk (Liverpool), Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan), Nathan Aké (Manchester City), De Ligt (Bayern Munich), Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord), Tottenham (Bournemouth)
Midfielders:
Georginio Wijnaldum (Al-Ettifaq), Frenkie de Jong (FC Barcelona), Teun Koopmeiners (Atalanta), Xavi Simons (RB leipzig), Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Joey Veerman (PSV), Jerdy Schouten (PSV), Jeremie Frimpong (Leverkusen)
Forwards:
Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid), Steven Bergwijn (Ajax), Wout Weghorst (Hoffenheim), Donyell Malen (Dortmund), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool), Brian Brobbey (Ajax)
Captain:
Van Dijk
Manager:
Ronald Koeman
Europa League winner Atalanta’s Marten de Roon has been ruled out of the European Championship with a muscle injury he suffered in the Coppa Italia final defeat to Juventus in the middle of May. Joining him will be Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber who despite training with the squad has not made himself fully fit to travel with the main team. Nick Olij and Ian Maatsen are the other players left out of the 26-member list. Despite being the only player playing in a non-European league, Georginio Wijnaldum has received the call-up as is Frenkie de Jong who suffered an ankle injury towards the end of the club season. Steven Bergwijn is also included even with injury problems in the season but Arsenal's Jurrien Timber is not part of the group as he lacked game-time due to an ACL injury suffered last year. Memphis Depay has been added mainly due to his experience after an up-and-down season with Atletico Madrid.
Formation: How will the Netherlands Lineup at Euro?
The Dutch are expected to maintain the 3-4-3 formation with captain Van Dijk leading from the back with De Vrij and Aké. There is competition in the right wing-back position with Dumfries getting the nod ahead of the energy-filled Frimpong due to his experience of major competitions on the international stage. Chelsea loanee to Dortmund, Maatsen not included means Blind will take the opposite flank although he mostly played as a center-back this past season with his club Girona and the national team. De Roon’s absence and De Jong’s fitness issue means Gravenberch could partner Koopmeiners in the midfield but an abundance of options in the position will help Koeman choose his ideal duo. Cody Gakpo will spearhead the attack or can play as an inside forward to the towering Weghorst.
Netherlands Fixtures for Euro 2024
Sunday, 16 June 2024
Poland vs Netherlands - Volksparkstadion, Hamburg (18:30)
Saturday, 22 June 2024
Netherlands vs France - Red Bull Arena, Leipzig (00:30)
Friday, 24 June 2024
Netherlands vs Austria - Olympiastadion, Berlin (21:30)
