Dutch have not popped their clogs

HOLLAND’S bid to recapture their former glories begins against England on Friday, according to Nathan Ake. Former Everton boss Ronald Koeman begins his reign against the Three Lions and Holland hope it is the start of a new era. Dutch football’s decline has been underlined by the struggles of the national team over the last four years. After finishing third at the 2014 World Cup under Louis van Gaal, Holland have embarrassingly failed to qualify for the last two major tournaments. Holland and Bournemouth defender Ake (above) said: “Do we have a point to prove? Maybe not that, but this is the moment when we have to build up again for the upcoming seasons, for the next tournament and it starts with this game. “The mood was a bit down in the last few years. We missed two big tournaments. Now we want to get back up there.” The Dutch are pinning their hopes on Ajax winger Justin Kluivert – son of Patrick – and defender Matthijs de Ligt. Ake added: “We’ve got a lot of young players and we want to build for the future.”