Netherlands

Back at a major tournament after a seven-year absence

OVERVIEW

With six victories, one defeat and one draw, the Netherlands finished second behind Germany in what was a smooth qualifying campaign. It’s their first major tournament since the 2014 World Cup, where they finished third.

Netherlands won their only major silverware at Euro ’88. Since then they have finished World Cup runners-up in 2010, but never reached another Euros final. 2016 was only the second time they have failed to qualify since 1976.

Ajax and PSV are no longer the main purveyor of Oranje talent, but AZ Alkmaar. The inclusion of Teun Koopmeiners, Owen Wijndal, Calvin Stengs, Myron Boadu and Marco Bizot shows where the real talent is at the moment.

Coach Ronald Koeman decided to move to Barcelona when Euro 2020 was postponed. The Dutch FA opted for former international Frank de Boer, a disputed choice given that he has been sacked by his three previous employers.