Evening Standard
·28 Juni 2024
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·28 Juni 2024
Xavi Simons could return for subpar Dutch
Ronald Koeman is set to once again make changes to his Netherlands team for Tuesday’s last-16 tie with Romania.
The Oranje are yet to discover their best line-up at Euro 2024 and, despite finishing third in their group, expectations will be high against one of the lesser-fancied teams left in the competition.
Koeman hooked midfielder Joey Veerman during the first half of Tuesday’s defeat to Austria and his replacement, Xavi Simons, should get the nod in a central role for this game having failed to impress on the right wing earlier in the tournament.
That position could be occupied by Jeremie Frimpong, as he did in the draw with France, which would see Donyell Malen drop out.
At right-back, Denzel Dumfries is primed to return after being dropped for Lutsharel Geertruida last time out.
Memphis Depay justified his role as Netherlands’ leading man with a goal against Austria and Cody Gakpo will once again take up his position on the left wing having scored twice in Germany. Nathan Ake is set to beat Micky van de Ven to starting at left-back.
Predicted Netherlands XI: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, De Vrij, Ake; Reijnders, Schouten, Simons; Frimpong, Depay, Gakpo
Time and date: 5pm BST, Tuesday July 2, 2024
Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
TV channel: BBC One