Nathan Ake, the Netherlands defender, expressed optimism as his team readies to confront England in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Reflecting on their recent comeback victory against Turkey, Ake believes their greatest challenge might be ahead. As a Manchester City player, he will face several club teammates on the field. “I’m excited about this match. There are many players I recognize from the Premier League,” Ake remarked. He acknowledged the difficulty of the semi-final but emphasized their growing momentum. “We’ve navigated tough stages and now another test is behind us. We’re prepared,” he added. Ake insists that being labeled underdogs is irrelevant, stating, “Underdog or not, it’s about focusing on ourselves and knowing our goals. We are very close now.”
Both Teams Overcoming Criticism
Despite reaching the semi-finals, both teams have faced significant criticism. England, who narrowly defeated Switzerland in a penalty shootout during the quarter-finals, were runners-up in 2021 but have struggled throughout this tournament. Manager Gareth Southgate has faced backlash, with fans throwing plastic cups after a draw with Slovenia and ongoing boos questioning his leadership. Similarly, the Netherlands have had their struggles, performing underwhelmingly in the group stages and delivering a poor first half against Turkey. Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, a top scorer in the tournament, commented on their performance, saying, “Winning is the key, even if the football isn’t perfect. Both teams could play better, but victory is what counts.”
Koeman Looks Ahead to Clash in Dortmund
Dutch manager Ronald Koeman remains optimistic about the upcoming semi-final, recognizing the strengths of both teams. “England has talented players, and so do we,” he stated. Koeman highlighted the excitement of playing in Dortmund, describing it as “one of the most beautiful stadiums.” He also expressed pride in their supporters and their unexpected journey to the semi-finals. “We have to fight, but playing against a big nation like England is thrilling,” Koeman concluded.
