ENGLAND HEAT! Southgate shuns trouble after Three Lions fan chaos! Who’s in & out for #Euro2024 semis? [LIVE TEAM NEWS]

England take on the Netherlands in the second semi-final of Euro 2024, with both sides looking to book a place in Sunday’s final as they face off in Dortmund. The Three Lions put in an improved performance against Switzerland but still required penalties to reach the semis, with Bukayo Saka shining, but they will know they need to improve again if they are to beat the Dutch.

Gareth Southgate’s men remain slight favourites to make Sunday’s showpiece, but they’ll need to be wary of the threat from players including Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Memphis Depay. Southgate has made one change from the quarter-final win over Switzerland, with Marc Guehi returning from suspension to replace Ezri Konsa in defence and Luke Shaw remain

Earlier, five people were injured as Netherlands fans attacked England supporters before tonight’s Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund, UK police said. Videos on social media showed supporters wearing orange Netherlands jerseys throwing stools and glasses outside a city bar, while England fans sheltered inside.

Follow the latest updates and reaction from the Netherlands vs England below:

Euro 2024: Netherlands v England

• England face the Netherlands in the second semi-final of Euro 2024, with kick-off at 8pm BST live on ITV 1

• Riot police called to Euro 2024 fan zone as Dutch fans outnumber England supporters in Dortmund

• England fans injured in attacks from Dutch supporters before Euro 2024 semi-final

• England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Rice, Mainoo, Trippier; Foden, Bellingham; Kane

• Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Depay

• Gareth Southgate makes one change as Marc Guehi returns from suspension

Netherlands – England

England v Netherlands

19:04 , Mike Jones

It is pouring down in Dortmund with most fans running for cover and some revelling in the poor weather. This was the same stadium that saw Germany v Denmark suspended earlier in the tournament due to a thunderstorm.

Nothing as extreme as that is on the forecast for this evening but the conditions are far from ideal and the ball will shoot off the wet surface of the pitch.

England v Netherlands team changes

18:59 , Mike Jones

Gareth Southgate makes just one change to the England team that started in the quarter-final win against Switzerland. Marc Guehi who was suspended for that match comes back in to replace Ezri Konsa. It looks as though Gareth Southgate will set up the team with a 3-4-3 formation once again.

For the Netherlands, Ronald Koeman also makes a change from the quarter-final line-up. Donyell Malen replaces Steven Bergwijn in the forward line.

England v Netherlands line-ups

18:51 , Mike Jones

England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Bellingham, Foden; Kane

Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Depay

I love the pressure – England’s Jordan Pickford relishing semi-final challenge

18:50 , Mike Jones

Jordan Pickford is ready to thrive off the challenge of another major tournament semi-final as England aim for back-to-back European Championship finals with victory over the Netherlands.

Gareth Southgate’s side have been criticised throughout their Euro 2024 campaign and have not won a match in 90 minutes since their opening group-stage victory over Serbia.

However, after a penalty shoot-out success against Switzerland on Saturday, England again find themselves deep into a competition.

I love the pressure – England’s Jordan Pickford relishing semi-final challenge

Almost time for the official line-ups to be announced

18:41 , Mike Jones

Can Harry Kane spark into life?

18:40 , Mike Jones

Captain Harry Kane is England’s record goalscorer and has delivered numerous times in big moments throughout his international career but is struggling to make his mark in this tournament.

He has scored twice at Euro 2024 but has often lacked a clinical touch and has found himself isolated at the top of the field resulting in a desire to drop deep and get on the ball.

Kane came off with 12 minutes of extra time remaining in the quarter-final versus Switzerland – meaning he did not take a penalty in the shootout.

For Bayern Munich last season, Kane scored 36 goals in 32 Bundesliga appearances, making him the top goalscorer in any of Europe’s top five leagues.

Can he bring that form into this crunch match for the Three Lions?

England, Netherlands and the curious case of intertwined ideals, style and history

18:30 , Karl Matchett

The English invented football. Then they ran out of good ideas and the Dutch reinvented it. And if that is something of a simplification, at best, a semi-final can seem a meeting of near-neighbours who misunderstand each other. English league records have been set by a side with a Dutch influence, with the principles of Total Football fed via Johan Cruyff to Pep Guardiola and helping Manchester City win four consecutive domestic titles.

Victory in Dortmund on Wednesday could be traced to Dutch players who learned from experiences in England or English footballers who have benefited from Dutch or Dutch-inspired managers in the Premier League.

The English can import the Dutch directly in search of tactical nous, technical expertise and a level of sophistication that its own game sometimes does not produce. Manchester United and Liverpool, England’s two biggest and most decorated clubs, have Dutch managers: indeed in the last 37 years, United have had two Dutch managers and none from England.

Yet if Arne Slot’s reign at Anfield has just begun, the evidence from Old Trafford is that Dutch attempts to customise a team for the Premier League showed a lack of understanding.

England, Netherlands and the curious case of intertwined ideals, style and history

England players inspect Westfalenstadion pitch before Euro 2024 semi-final

18:30 , Jack Rathborn

England fans injured in attacks before Euro 2024 semi-final

18:24 , Jamie Braidwood

A statement from the UK Football Policing Unit on the trouble: “We are aware of some reports and videos circulating of disorder in Dortmund.

“It appears that there have been several instances of Dutch fans attacking England fans in bars and attempting to steal flags.

“We understand this has resulted in minor injuries to five people. We are also aware that in addition to the tens of thousands of Dutch fans there to enjoy the game, there are groups of risk supporters who have travelled to Dortmund from the Netherlands.

“Our officers are at the location supporting German colleagues. We would advise supporters to be aware of their surroundings and seek areas where there is a German Police presence.”

England fans injured in attacks before Euro 2024 semi-final

The key battle to dictate who wins as England face Netherlands at Euro 2024

18:20 , Karl Matchett

England are improving as they progress through the knockout rounds of Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate has insisted, but they face their biggest test yet against Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.

The match in Dortmund pitches two nations against each other who have some magnificent individual components, but have not yet put together the performance as a team which might have been expected.

Ronald Koeman’s side perhaps have the mitigating factor of pre-tournament injuries, but they only came third in their group to progress – England have been unimpressive but unbeaten throughout, albeit progressing in extra time and a penalty shootout across their last two games.

Now the semi-final meeting will dictate not just how much of a success the summer has been as a whole, but also offer up the chance to face Spain in the Berlin final – which for the Three Lions would mean back-to-back European Championship final appearances, following defeat to Italy three years ago.

All over the pitch there are hints at key players whose form or eye for goal might make them match-winners, but one area in particular looks to be tactically crucial to deciding which nation goes home, and which goes on to Sunday’s grand finale.

The key battle to dictate who wins as England face Netherlands at Euro 2024

Netherlands and England fans clash in Dortmund ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final

18:14 , Jack Rathborn

Gareth Southgate addresses prospect of earlier substitutions against Netherlands at Euro 2024

18:10 , Karl Matchett

Gareth Southgate acknowledged he may need to make more substitutions or earlier ones than he has so far in the Euro 2024 knockouts, when England take on Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

The Three Lions boss only made one change before the 84th minute in the round of 16 against Slovakia, and none at all before the 78th in the quarter-final against Switzerland. England have played 120 minutes twice, and the manager opted against making the sixth change available to him in the added 30 minutes on both occasions.

But changes for changes’ sake aren’t on the agenda, nor a specifically early change – with Southgate insisting only the flow of the match would decide for him when subs were needed.

Gareth Southgate addresses prospect of earlier substitutions against Netherlands

Why ‘luck of the draw’ is a lazy phrase to throw at Gareth Southgate’s England

18:00 , Karl Matchett

Around the England camp, the players know not to even indulge the idea that Euro 2024 has handed them a “forgiving draw”. Gareth Southgate has already bristled at the idea in press conferences, so it’s easy to imagine the attitude with the squad.

Players being players, though, one or two can’t help talking about how they would rather not have faced Spain or France yet. That isn’t to disrespect Netherlands, but Ronald Koeman’s team clearly aren’t comparable to the great Dutch sides of the past, nor the other semi-finalists.

Gary Neville made the attitude clear – as well as how players actually speak – when comparing the draws his teams faced against those of Southgate’s era.

A lingering debate underneath this, and almost undercutting it, has been whether the scale of the achievement is in part because of the modesty of opposition.

Why ‘luck of the draw’ is a lazy phrase to throw at Southgate’s England

England fans injured in attacks before Euro 2024 semi-final

17:58 , Jack Rathborn

Five people were injured as Dutch fans attacked England supporters before tonight’s Euro 2024 semi-final in Dortmund, UK police said.

England fans in Dortmund before tonight’s game have warned to seek areas where there is a German police presence, a statement added.

The attacks happened at bars where England fans were drinking before the match, which takes place at 9pm local time this evening.

England fans injured in attacks before Euro 2024 semi-final

Fans arrested ahead of England v Netherlands

17:49 , Jack Rathborn

Ronald Koeman shrugs off travel disruption and declares Netherlands ready for England

17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ronald Koeman shrugged off the travel disruption faced by his squad on Tuesday and said the team were well rested ahead of the semi-final.

The Dutch were forced to abandon their plans to travel to Dortmund by train from their base at Wolfsburg, after the service was cancelled due to a blockage on the route, the Dutch Football Association said.

Instead, they flew to Dortmund, arriving at their hotel some four hours later than planned.

“It was not a problem, we had a good rest this afternoon, we were on the plane for just 30 minutes, arrived at our hotel and we can have a good rest tonight,” Koeman said in an interview with UEFA after his scheduled pre-match press conference had to be cancelled because of the travel delay.

As for the clash against England, Koeman sounded a confident note.

”We know that there is really not much difference between the two teams, it’s s really 50-50 in my opinion – but we will need the perfect game to win.

”We know they have a lot of individual qualities but both teams are really strong and it will be a good fight.”

He reported that the squad had no injury concerns and were “physically strong” despite a swift turnaround from Saturday’s quarter-final win over Turkey in Berlin.

“England had to play extra time in their last game (against Switzerland) so maybe that could be a difference in the latter stages of the match. We are sharp, we are focused and we are looking forward to playing a good match against them.”

Koeman said fan support would help their cause with reports of some 80,000 Dutch fans expected in Dortmund to watch at the stadium, or the nearby fan parks.

Phil Foden hails ‘improvement’ in England attack with new role in formation reshuffle

17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Phil Foden believes Gareth Southgate’s change of formation suits him better and will help bring the best out of Jude Bellingham and him.

Southgate switched to a 3-4-2-1 system for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Switzerland with Foden, who had played on the left when England opted for 4-2-3-1, instead given a new role as the right-sided No 10.

And the Manchester City player believes it liberated him by allowing him to take up more different positions and to trouble the Swiss.

Foden hails ‘improvement’ in England attack with new role in formation reshuffle

The England team have a breathing coach to help calm their nerves – here’s what you are doing wrong

17:15 , The Independent

A few breathing exercises might be handy for fans of the Netherlands and England tonight, particularly if it again extends to penalties. But did you know that Gareth Southgate’s side themselves have been calling on the support of a specialist coach to help calm their nerves at the tournament? Suzy Cox found out more:

Gareth Southgate has hired a breathing coach – here’s what you are doing wrong

Jude Bellingham’s viral criticism of referee resurfaces before England v Netherlands semi-final

17:00 , The Independent

Virgil van Dijk can silence legends and end feud by guiding Netherlands to Euro 2024 final

16:45 , Karl Matchett in Dortmund

Of all the players around Europe to chastise, to suggest hasn’t had a positive impact on teammates and to berate for not playing well enough, Virgil van Dijk will feel like a baffling choice to regular viewers of the Premier League.

As an individual star and then as captain, the Dutch defender has raised Liverpool to regular trophy winners, been the most accomplished centre-back in the game and won everything going since moving to Anfield, as well as finishing second in the 2019 Ballon d’Or, a mere seven vote points behind Lionel Messi.

Yet as can so often be the case, the domestic perception of a player does not match the international one on home soil. Van Dijk has been pilloried by some of the biggest names in Dutch football history, not just once, not just at this tournament, but relentlessly, for years.

Van Dijk can end Dutch feud by guiding Netherlands to Euro 2024 final

Harry Kane addresses fitness concerns ahead of England’s crunch Euro 2024 semi-final

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Harry Kane has declared he is “getting better and sharper”, saying he has become accustomed to “question marks over my fitness or my form” throughout his career ahead of England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.

England’s campaign has seen constant discussion over the captain’s physical condition, with another early substitution against Switzerland leading to calls that Ivan Toney comes in for Wednesday’s semi-final in Dortmund.

Kane came into the tournament after picking up a back injury during the final weeks of the season with Bayern Munich, and there have been questions over whether he has been able to press to the level required for England’s gameplan.

Harry Kane addresses fitness concerns ahead of England’s crunch Euro 2024 semi-final

Gareth Southgate: England out to ‘break new ground’ after overcoming inhibition

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate says England’s players are ready to make history, having overcome external noise, the weight of expectation and a fear of failure to reach another European Championship semi-final.

After topping their group in unconvincing fashion, the Euro 2020 runners-up needed a stunning Jude Bellingham strike to save their blushes against Slovakia before beating Switzerland on penalties.

England are now preparing for a third semi-final in four major tournaments, with the Netherlands standing between them and a second successive Euros final.

“You’re now into that moment in the tournament where it’s what’s possible, what’s achievable, rather than what might go wrong,” boss Southgate said.

Gareth Southgate: England out to ‘break new ground’ after overcoming inhibition

Watch live as Dutch supporters march to stadium for crunch Euro 2024 semi-final against England

16:04 , Jamie Braidwood

Watch live as Dutch supporters march to the BVB Stadion Dortmund ahead of their crunch Euro 2024 semi-final against England.

Gareth Southgate says England’s players are ready to make history, having overcome external noise, the weight of expectation and a fear of failure to reach another major semi.

After topping their group in unconvincing fashion, the Euro 2020 runners-up needed a stunning Jude Bellingham strike to save their blushes against Slovakia before beating Switzerland on penalties.

England are now preparing for a third semi-final in four major tournaments, with the Netherlands standing between them and a second successive Euros final.

Ronald Koeman is the manager hoping to break English hearts, and the Dutch beat Turkey and Romania in their previous two knockout matches to reach the last four.

Live: Dutch supporters march to stadium for crunch Euro 2024 semi against England

England vs Netherlands team news

16:00 , Karl Matchett

Netherlands have not seen anybody suspended during the tournament and despite losing several names to injury ahead of the Euros starting, seem to have escaped without further losses during their five matches so far. The big decision for Ronald Koeman will be whether to stick with Steven Bergwijn starting on the right or to bring in either Donyell Malen or Wout Weghorst, the latter meaning a reshuffle of the attack, Xavi Simons likely moving to the flank.

Predicted Netherlands XI (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Reijnders; Bergwijn, Simons, Gakpo, Depay.

Marc Guehi is back from suspension and with Luke Shaw having returned to fitness to appear off the bench in the quarter-final, England should also have a full 26-man squad for Gareth Southgate to choose from. Starting Shaw or not – and if in place of Kieran Trippier or someone else – will be the manager’s big decision, while Guehi may not come back into the side if Ezri Konsa keeps his place.

Predicted England XI (3-4-2-1): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Rice, Mainoo, Trippier; Foden, Bellingham, Kane.

Euro 2024: Dutch fans set to march to stadium ahead of England semi-final

15:54 , Jamie Braidwood

As is tradition, the Netherlands fans will march to the stadium and turn Dortmund Oranje ahead of tonight’s semi-final against England.

Riot police called to Euro 2024 fan zone in Dortmund earlier

15:46 , Jamie Braidwood

Netherlands fans are outnumbering England fans in Dortmund, with The Guardian reporting the main fan zone in the city’s Friedensplatz was closed earlier due to overcrowding.

Reports suggest riot police were called to deal with the number of Netherlands supporters, with the fan zone reaching capacity seven hours before the 9pm local time kick-off.

While there were no arrests, police informed fans to they needed to leave the area after overcrowding fears were raised.

An estimated 75,000 Dutch fans are expected to be in Dortmund tonight, along with 17,000 England fans. Thousands of Dutch fans will march to the stadium this afternoon.

Follow all the football action direct to your device and inbox

15:45 , The Independent

With the Euro 2024 semi-final between England and Netherlands just hours away, keep up to date with the latest — from team news, fixture details, analysis and more.

If you want alerts straight to your phone from our chief football writer Miguel Delaney, sign up to our WhatsApp channel here.

For more in-depth, exclusive analysis from Miguel, sign up to our free Reading The Game newsletter here.

The key battle to dictate who wins as England face Netherlands at Euro 2024

15:30 , Karl Matchett

England are improving as they progress through the knockout rounds of Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate has insisted, but they face their biggest test yet against Netherlands in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.

The match in Dortmund pitches two nations against each other who have some magnificent individual components, but have not yet put together the performance as a team which might have been expected.

The key battle to dictate who wins as England face Netherlands at Euro 2024

England, Netherlands and the curious case of intertwined ideals, style and history

15:15 , Richard Jolly

The English invented football. Then they ran out of good ideas and the Dutch reinvented it. And if that is something of a simplification, at best, a semi-final can seem a meeting of near-neighbours who misunderstand each other. English league records have been set by a side with a Dutch influence, with the principles of Total Football fed via Johan Cruyff to Pep Guardiola and helping Manchester City win four consecutive domestic titles.

England, Netherlands and the curious case of intertwined ideals, style and history

Harry Kane believes England have handled criticism ‘really well’ at Euro 2024

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Harry Kane believes England have dealt with the “noise” that surrounds the team at major tournaments as the captain targets another European Championship final.

England face the Netherlands in Dortmund tonight aiming to make it to their second final in a row.

After losing on penalties to Italy three years ago at Wembley, Kane will be aiming to see off the Dutch and then lead England to a first major men’s trophy in 58 years in Berlin on Sunday evening.

Harry Kane believes England have handled criticism ‘really well’ at Euro 2024

Match-fixing scandal referee who had Jude Bellingham fallout chosen for England Euro 2024 semi-final

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A German referee who was banned over his part in a match-fixing scandal and who has a history with Jude Bellingham will take charge of England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands tonight.

Felix Zwayer, 43, was given a six-month ban by his country’s football federation in 2006, having worked as an assistant referee alongside Robert Hoyzer.

Zwayer was one of the officials who brought Hoyzer’s match-fixing plot to light, with the relatively short duration of Zwayer’s ban a recognition of that contribution. Hoyzer was banned for life.

England midfielder Bellingham was fined by the German Football Federation after he referenced Zwayer’s involvement in that scandal after a defeat for his old club Borussia Dortmund against Bayern Munich in 2021.

Match-fixing scandal ref who had Bellingham fallout chosen for England’s semi-final

Euro 2024 Golden Boot standings: Dani Olmo, Cody Gakpo, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham battle to be top scorer

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s nip and tuck among the top scorers at the tournament – here’s how the race for the Golden Boot is shaping up ahead of the second semi-final:

Euro 2024 Golden Boot standings: Olmo, Gakpo and more in contention

England vs Netherlands key details

14:15 , Karl Matchett

When is Netherlands vs England?

Netherlands face England in the second semi-final at Euro 2024, with the game kicking off at 8pm BST tonight in Dortmund.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be broadcast live on ITV 1 and STV, while UK viewers can stream the game via the ITV X and STV Player platforms and apps. You can find a full list of which channel is showing each match here. Coverage starts at 4pm on BBC One and the iPlayer.

Netherlands v England TV channel, time and how to watch semi-final online

The six-year behind-the-scenes process which led to England’s perfect penalties

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England beat Switzerland on penalties in the Euro 2024 quarter-final thanks to a changed secret approach that involved rethinking every detail of a penalty shootout, right down to the steps that players take and where they should look. Miguel Delaney reveals all:

The six-year behind-the-scenes process which led to England’s perfect penalties

Gareth Southgate reveals the ‘fuel’ behind England progress and hails ‘resilience’ of Three Lions’ squad

13:45 , Miguel Delaney

Gareth Southgate says he has used being “ridiculed” as “fuel”, in an extraordinarily reflective moment after guiding England to the third semi-finals of his tenure. The manager spoke about how it’s not “normal to have beer thrown at you” or to have “your professional capability” questioned “beyond belief”, but that this served in setting an example about resolve. Southgate spoke proudly about the “resilience” his players showed, stating that is as important as performance in “navigating tournaments.

Southgate reveals personal ‘fuel’ behind England progress at Euro 2024

The Trent Alexander-Arnold moment behind England’s transformation

13:30 , Richard Jolly

Trent Alexander-Arnold had to wait for his moment. More than six years, since his England debut, during tournaments when he was injured or underused. For three-and-a-half games, after the experiment – as it has been semi-officially termed – of starting with him in midfield was abandoned. For 115 minutes, until he was brought on against Switzerland. For the duration of a penalty shootout, until he was up last.

The Trent Alexander-Arnold moment behind England’s transformation

Phil Foden hails ‘improvement’ in England attack with new role in formation reshuffle

13:15 , Richard Jolly

Phil Foden believes Gareth Southgate’s change of formation suits him better and will help bring the best out of Jude Bellingham and him.

Southgate switched to a 3-4-2-1 system for England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Switzerland with Foden, who had played on the left when England opted for 4-2-3-1, instead given a new role as the right-sided No 10.

And the Manchester City player believes it liberated him by allowing him to take up more different positions and to trouble the Swiss.

Foden hails ‘improvement’ in England attack with new role in formation reshuffle

Ivan Toney shows off ‘no look’ skills in England camp after netting famous penalty

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate’s England revolution shouldn’t be overlooked just because it’s dull

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Perhaps it is a revolution you wish had not been televised, but that doesn’t mean that England’s developement at this tournament should be overlooked. Richard Jolly makes the case for the defence:

Southgate’s England revolution shouldn’t be overlooked just because it’s dull

Why ‘luck of the draw’ is a lazy phrase to throw at Gareth Southgate’s England

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Around the England camp, the players know not to even indulge the idea that Euro 2024 has handed them a “forgiving draw”. Gareth Southgate has already bristled at the idea in press conferences, so it’s easy to imagine the attitude with the squad.

Players being players, though, one or two can’t help talking about how they would rather not have faced Spain or France yet. That isn’t to disrespect Netherlands, but Ronald Koeman’s team clearly aren’t comparable to the great Dutch sides of the past, nor the other semi-finalists.

But, as Miguel Delaney explores, there’s far more than just the “luck of the draw” behind England’s recent tournament success.

Why ‘luck of the draw’ is a lazy phrase to throw at Southgate’s England

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s expertise could prove useful for England – Trent Alexander-Arnold

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England can count on a little bit of inside knowledge with their very own Dutchman in camp, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink having been drilling the marksmen in Germany as one of Gareth Southgate’s assistants.

Hasselbaink’s expertise could prove useful for England – Trent Alexander-Arnold

Penalty pain and Wembley joy – A look at England’s past semi-final showdowns

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England take on the Netherlands tonight looking to reach a second successive European Championship final.

It will be the sixth time England’s men have played in the semi-finals of a major tournament, not including the 1968 European Championship when only four teams qualified for the finals.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at how England got on in their previous last-four encounters:

Penalty pain and Wembley joy – A look at England’s past semi-final showdowns

Football fan Keir Starmer will have to rely on notes from officials to keep up with England game

11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Sir Keir Starmer will need to rely on notes from officials to keep up to date with England’s Euro 2024 semi final against the Netherlands.

The new prime minister, an avid Arsenal fan, will be unable to watch one of his favourite players Bukayo Saka and his team mates take on the Dutch on Wednesday for the right to play Spain in Sunday’s final.

Worse still, Sir Keir’s phone will be taken off him for security reasons as he joins other Nato leaders for talks on Ukraine at the Nato summit in Washington DC.

Starmer will have to rely on notes from officials to keep up with England game

Gareth Southgate: England out to ‘break new ground’ after overcoming inhibition

11:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate says England’s players are ready to make history, having overcome external noise, the weight of expectation and a fear of failure to reach another European Championship semi-final.

After topping their group in unconvincing fashion, the Euro 2020 runners-up needed a stunning Jude Bellingham strike to save their blushes against Slovakia before beating Switzerland on penalties.

England are now preparing for a third semi-final in four major tournaments, with the Netherlands standing between them and a second successive Euros final.

“You’re now into that moment in the tournament where it’s what’s possible, what’s achievable, rather than what might go wrong,” boss Southgate said.

Gareth Southgate: England out to ‘break new ground’ after overcoming inhibition

Ben Stokes: It’s tough to see the backlash against England’s footballers

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s a sporting cornucopia today with Wimbledon in full swing, a thrilling edition of the Tour de France weaving south and the cricketing Test summer getting underway as Jimmy Anderson says farewell at Lord’s. Ben Stokes and his side are just getting going in London, and the England captain believes that counterpart Kane and co. have had to endure unnecessary criticism while in Germany.

Ben Stokes: It’s tough to see the backlash against England’s footballers

Harry Kane addresses fitness concerns ahead of England’s crunch Euro 2024 semi-final

11:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Harry Kane has declared he is “getting better and sharper”, saying he has become accustomed to “question marks over my fitness or my form” throughout his career ahead of England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands.

England’s campaign has seen constant discussion over the captain’s physical condition, with another early substitution against Switzerland leading to calls that Ivan Toney comes in for Wednesday’s semi-final in Dortmund.

Kane came into the tournament after picking up a back injury during the final weeks of the season with Bayern Munich, and there have been questions over whether he has been able to press to the level required for England’s gameplan.

Ahead of facing the Netherlands, the striker dismissed such concerns as typical of the noise around the campaign, and insisted he is ready to start while pointing to a wider role in the team.

“It’s something I’ve got used to throughout my career,” Kane said. ”I think there are always going to be times… especially if you look over the last couple of major tournaments, there’s always been at some stage question marks over my fitness or my form.”

Harry Kane addresses fitness concerns ahead of England’s crunch Euro 2024 semi-final

Keep up to date with the latest football news

10:55 , The Independent

With the Euro 2024 semi-final between England and Netherlands just hours away, keep up to date with the latest — from team news, fixture details, analysis and more.

If you want alerts straight to your phone from our chief football writer Miguel Delaney, sign up to our WhatsApp channel here.

For more in-depth, exclusive analysis from Miguel, sign up to our free Reading The Game newsletter here.

Gareth Southgate urges England to seize ‘chance to make history’

10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Gareth Southgate says England are ready to make history by reaching a first final on foreign soil, having been inhibited earlier in the Euros by expectations and louder external noise than ever before.

After topping their group in unconvincing fashion, the Euro 2020 runners-up needed a stunning Jude Bellingham strike to save their blushes against Slovakia before beating Switzerland on penalties.

England are now preparing for a third semi-final in four major tournaments, with Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands standing between them and a second successive European Championship final.

Southgate has been criticised for his team’s style despite getting this far and the manager revealed the negative mood around the team impacted the players during the group stage.

Gareth Southgate urges England to seize ‘chance to make history’

Lamine Yamal signals Spain’s next golden era to leave France with one regret

10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The identity of one Euro 2024 finalist is, of course, already known, Spain dancing past France as Lamine Yamal announced his arrival as the crowning talent of what could be a new golden era. Miguel Delaney was in Munich to watch Yamal et al:

Lamine Yamal signals Spain’s next golden era to leave France with one regret

England v Netherlands

07:16 , Sonia Twigg

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live updates, news and build up to England’s semi-final against the Netherlands.

England scraped through their quarter-final, needing perfect penalties to beat Switzerland in the quarter-final on Saturday, while the Netherlands scored two second-half goals to beat Turkey.

There has been much talk in the build up about Luke Shaw, and whether Gareth Southgate will stick with his tactical changes that altered the shape of the squad but did not affect the style of play against Switzerland.