The second semi-final of the women’s Euro 2017 tournament sees the hosts Holland take on the new favourites for the tournament England. Both of these have been very impressive in the tournament so far, and we should be in for a great game between them here.
After impressing against France in the quarter finals and seeing Germany get knocked out at the same stage, England are the new favourites to win this tournament. The hosts may feel a little down about that, but one thing is for sure, whoever comes out on top in this game will certainly be the favourites to win the final.
Both teams have won every match so far, adding even more spice to what looks set to be a fantastic game between two of the best women’s teams in Europe.
Holland Form
At the weekend, Holland saw off Sweden in a good quarter final on Saturday evening, eventually winning the game 2-0 in front of a packed home crowd. They had great support during that game, and will need the same again in this one if they are to overcome England.
Holland have taken a slightly more conservative approach at this tournament, not picking all of their attacking talents together in favour of protecting their own goal. That change has seen them concede just one goal in the entire tournament so far, and England will know that they have to take their chances, if they get any, on Thursday.
England Form
England are now the new favourites to lift this trophy, after putting in another impressive display to beat France in the quarter final. With Germany out of the way, the path now looks to have opened up for England to lift the title, although things will not be easy.
They impressed against France, beating them 1-0 in a match that showed England know how to grind out a result if that is needed. We saw a slightly different side to the England team in that game and we may need to see that again in this game, facing a tough Holland team that will have the majority backing from the crowd.
Playing against the home nation can often be very tough in these tournaments, especially in the latter stages and that is going to be a big test for England in this one. They need to concentrate on the game in hand, play their own game, remain tight and dig in, just like they did against France.
Team News
Holland come into the game with no worries to speak of, although they are coming towards the end of a tough tournament and may make a change or two because of that.
England have a couple of problems to deal with heading into the game, one of which is not ideal and involved their number one goalkeeper Karen Bardsley. She is out of the tournament following a collision with her team mate during the quarter finals, she has a broken leg and will not be playing. The goalkeeping position is very important, and for whoever takes her place, coming into the tournament at this stage will be tough. To add to that, midfielder Jill Scott is suspended for this game, giving England something else to think about.
Top Betting Tips
This semi-final looks to be brilliantly set up and whoever wins the game will surely head to the final full of confidence and start as favourites. England are the slightly better team in this one for me, although they have to deal with playing against the home nation and the crowd noise that will bring.
I am sure the game will be close, with both sides capable of winning, but I am going to choose England to come out on top in a tight game. They will need to battle hard like they did against France and defend well against a Holland team that know how to attack.
I believe this semi-final will take a similar path to the first one, and I am also going to go for a score line of 1-0 in this game. I believe England will score first, and grind out a victory despite the Dutch throwing everything they have at them. An England victory by a score of 1-0 can be backed at 6/1 with Paddy Power and that looks to be the likeliest outcome.
Whoever wins this game will certainly head to the final as favourites to lift the trophy, we have the two best teams going head to head here.