The press conference in Dortmund was due to start at 7.45pm.
The Netherlands have been forced to cancel their press conference plans ahead of Wednesday night’s semi-final match against England.
It is less than 24 hours until Ronald Koeman’s side come up against tournament favourites England at the Signal Iduna Park, and preparations for the Euro 2024 clash have been far from ideal.
On Tuesday afternoon, their travel plans were disrupted due to a blockage on the train track between Wolfsburg and Dortmund.
It means they must take a late flight on Friday evening to make the 155-mile journey.
In fact, the team are believed to be taking off at around 8.20pm, with the pre-match press conference in Dortmund being scheduled to start at 7.45pm.
“We are currently looking for other options,” the team said regarding the press conference, which may now be held over Zoom.
Dutch media suggest players and staff were standing on the train platform when they were informed about the issues.
On the day before a game, each squad typically walk on the pitch to get a feel of their surroundings. Those plans, however, are set to be scuppered for the Netherlands.
In terms of his team selection for Wednesday’s semi-final, Koeman says he will keep faith in Memphis Depay.
Speaking about the 30-year-old forward, Koeman told Voetbal International: “He can do better, but that is also due to others, that also has to do with how the team plays.
“Everyone has their opinion, everyone shouts something, but I am the one who experiences the players every day. I see things during training that no one else sees. And with me, players have the right to play a bad match once.”
Image credit: Getty
When asked if Depay would start alongside Weghorst against England, like they did in their win over Turkey, he added: “We were behind then, so you can expect to get the ball more often and that the opponent will fold back further.
“Then I can use Memphis as an attacking midfielder, because then you know that there will be crosses that Weghorst plays better than Memphis.
“But of course I did not say in advance for nothing that I always want to play with three specialist midfielders.
“Depay is not one of them. So in principle I will not start with those two. Because if we want to play with wingers, we will also have four attackers.”
Jamie Carragher’s left everyone furious with analysis of England vs Switzerland game (an)
Jamie Carragher’s point has got fans talking
Jamie Carragher’s analysis of England’s first-half performance against Switzerland has left fans fuming.
Gareth Southgate made just one change to the England side that scrapped past Slovakia in the round of 16, with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa replacing the suspended Marc Guehi at centre-back.
England surprisingly lined up in a similar formation to the 4-2-3-1 system favoured by Southgate all tournament after various reports stated the Three Lions would switch to a three-man defence for the quarter-final clash with Switzerland.
After another flat first-half in a cagey affair, England supporters could be forgiven for thinking more changes were needed but Carragher saw the opening 45 minutes differently.
The former Liverpool defender highlighted England’s press as a real positive but fans were quick to disagree with his assertion.
He wrote on X: “England’s press has been excellent so far, going man to man when Sommer has it.
“Kane following his man into midfield at times!”
Jamie Carragher X
Here’s a summary of how fans reacted to his comment.
One fan said: “You watching the same game as the rest of us?”
Another said: “Must be watching a different match! It has been awful!”
A third added: “It’s been s***. They are in position but don’t actually close anyone down. It’s a pointless press. Half hearted. No desire.”
A fourth said: “Another yawnathon.”
Harry Kane of England (Getty)
Prior to the game, Phil Foden suggested he would be playing in a more central role to help get the best out of him against the Swiss.
He told the BBC: “We changed formation to match what they do and get pressure up the field and to try retain the ball – let’s see if it works, I am looking forward to it.
“For me it will be I’ll be more centrally and staying inside. I think it will suit me a little bit better today.
“If we get the formation right and press right it will give us a lot of confidence.”
England player ratings from Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland as Three Lions win on penalties (an)
England beat Switzerland in a penalty shootout.
England are through to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 after beating Switzerland in a penalty shootout.
The Three Lions have booked their spot in the next round of the tournament following their big win over the Swiss on Saturday.
Here’s how we rated the England players:
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Jordan Pickford – 8
Could do little to stop Switzerland’s goal. Made a crucial save in the penalty shootout.
Kyle Walker – 5
Poor showing. Lost his man for Switzerland’s goal.
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John Stones – 5
Failed to stop Dan Ndoye’s pass to Breel Embolo.
Ezri Konsa – 7
Contained Embolo fairly well until he scored. An overall impressive performance on his first major tournament start for England.
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Kieran Trippier – 5
Dire at left wing-back. Dan Ndoye got the better of him.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Showed good defensive awareness and carried the ball nicely while breaking through lines. Intelligent performance from the 19-year-old Manchester United starlet.
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Declan Rice – 7
Comfortable in retaining and circulating possession in the centre of England’s midfield and helped out the backline. Had a brilliant long-range effort, which was saved by Yann Sommer.
Jude Bellingham – 6
Had some decent moments, including an impressive carry which saw Fabian Schar yellow carded.
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Bukayo Saka – 8
Electric on the right wing, beat Michel Aebischer on several occasions and got balls into the box. Constant threat. Scored a stunning equaliser and a spot-kick in the shootout.
Phil Foden – 6
Looked more comfortable in a central position as he was able to dictate play in the final third.
Harry Kane – 5
Not his best outing. Didn’t really have a sniff at goal. Dropped deep far too often. Harshly booked for a foul on Manuel Akanji.
Luke Shaw (SUB) – 6
First minutes of the tournament for England’s only left-back at Euro 2024, gave his side balance.
Eberechi Eze (SUB) – 6
Mustered a shot in normal time albeit a wayward attempt.
Cole Palmer (SUB) – 6
Lively showing after coming on in the 78th minute.
Ivan Toney (SUB) – N/A
Replaced Harry Kane in extra-time. Scored a penalty in the shootout.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (SUB) – N/A
Entered the fray in extra-time. Scored the winning penalty in the shootout.
