2023-24 UEFA Women’s Nations League: England vs Netherlands

England host Netherlands at Wembley Stadium in a must-win showdown in 2023-24 UEFA Women’s Nations League.

Victory could put England top if Belgium lose elsewhere, whilst a win would keep Netherlands top but the Dutch will only secure qualification if Belgium fail to beat Scotland.

 

Team News

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Defender and captain, Millie Bright is England’s only absentee after she withdrew from the squad with a knee injury.

Mary Earps consequently has been appointed as interim captain for this international window.

Netherlands have no fresh injury concerns to report with a full squad in contention.

 

When is Kick-Off?

England host Netherlands at Wembley Stadium in a 7:45pm GMT kick-off on Friday 1 December, live on ITV4 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• England lost their only previous Women’s Nations League meeting against Netherlands by a 2-1 result in September 2023.
• Netherlands are playing away to England in the Women’s Nations League for the first time, but have won just one of their last five visits to England in all competitions (W1, D1, L3).
• Two of England’s three goals at home in this group have been scored by Lauren Hemp.
• Esmee Brugts has scored in each of Netherlands’ last two group matches (W2).

 

Prediction

Sat third in the group following four inconsistent performances where defensive mistakes have been their downfall especially on the road, England now need to deliver one more time at home with a tidier performance especially at the back despite Bright’s absence.

Netherlands meanwhile haven’t exactly been impressive when away from home in this group with a defeat in Belgium and scrappy win in Scotland, but sit top and possess top quality like Lieke Martens and Vivianne Miedema who can cause issues up front.

Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses though know that only a win will keep their hopes alive and with Beth Mead back in the squad – likely as an impact substitute, they should have more creativity and firepower to beat the Dutch who haven’t travelled well on English turf.

Prediction: England 2-1 Netherlands

Result: England 3-2 Netherlands