Dutch boss Parsons influential in decision to switch allegiances says midfielder Egurrola | OneFootball

Former Everton midfielder Damaris Egurrola watched the Netherlands’ UEFA Women’s EURO 2017 win in De Grolsch Veste with her family and saw the Dutch streets become of a stream of orange.

At the time, however, she was preparing for her own tournament in different colours. Her European Championship experience stretches to her Under-19 EUROs win the same year with Spain, the country of her Basque father. Now at 22, she goes into her first senior major tournament in the orange of the Netherlands after switching allegiances earlier this year through her Dutch mother.

“Once I made the decision, I was focused on coming to the EUROs,” she said, accent still tinged with Spanish. “I’m really happy to be here.

“I saw the (2017) celebrations. I’ve always talked about it like I was there watching, I was still supporting at the time, but now I’m part of this group, which is amazing.

“It’s my first experience with the Dutch fans but I watch them on TV and the players always talk about them. I can’t wait to see the streets turn orange.”

The Netherlands’ transition from their European victory five years ago to now has not been an easy one; Sarina Wiegman’s departure for the England job resulted in the Dutch eventually turning to 35-year-old Englishman Mark Parsons. With the development of the Barclays Women’s Super League and the rise of FC Barcelona among others, the Dutch have perhaps slipped behind as favourites for the competition to the likes of England, Spain and Saturday’s opening game opponents Sweden.

Egurrola, tipped to be a Dutch rising star, spent a short four months at Everton before breaking through to the Lyon team last season with 14 appearances in the French top flight. She made her decision to switch allegiances at international level after being influenced in large part by national coach Mark Parsons who is known to be extremely personable and in constant communication with his players.

“He looked at how I could fit into the team,” she said. “He focused on how I could be myself and I wanted that confidence from someone. At that moment, I needed someone that really wanted me, and the Dutch Federation was pushing to get me here.”

Egurrola joins seven other players in the squad with fewer than 10 senior international appearances, accompanied, however, with four key players with over 100 caps, including Lyon teammate Daniëlle van de Donk.

“It was really easy to come into this group, I’m really grateful for the welcome from the girls,” she continued. “It’s difficult for someone new to come into the group, and I don’t speak the language, but they are easy going.

“I’ll be myself, bring my tempo to the game, keep the ball, in small spaces and in long balls.

“I made the correct decisions (for club and country). I have nothing to regret and that’s the main thing. I’m happy.”

Saturday’s game will begin a test of Parsons’ largely inexperienced team, who lost 5-1 to England and beat Finland somewhat unconvincingly in the immediate warm-up games prior to the tournament. Sweden pose a firm test, ranked second in the world and boasting a star-studded squad.

“It’s good to start the tournament with a big game,” she said. “The first game we can also see how the tournament is going. We’re ready for it.

“Sweden are a good team, a lot of talent and physicality. England are also probably favourites with the home crowd; it will be difficult to beat but in the EUROs, everyone has their chances.”

The Netherlands’ opening group fixture against Sweden kicks-off at 8pm tomorrow night.

By Juliet Nottingham