Netherlands vs England - International Friendly Match Preview and Odds

Published on: 23/03/2018

Netherlands vs England - International Friendly Match Preview and Odds

March 23, 2018 19:45 Amsterdam Arena

International friendly

England continue their preparations for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia with two friendly matches against top class opposition, neither of whom will be featuring in the summer. First up is a clash against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday night before they square up to Italy on Tuesday night.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has taken the bold step of calling up Nick Pope and James Tarkowski of Burnley. They will be joined by fellow debutants Alfie Mawson and Lewis Cook. Their inclusion comes at the expense of more established names such as Chris Smalling, Gary Cahill and Michael Keane.

Pope has become Burnley`s first choice keeper since stepping in to replace the injured Tom Heaton, while Tarkowski has impressed in defence for the Clarets. Both players have been instrumental in Burnley`s success this season. Meanwhile, Mawson has impressed despite featuring in a Swansea side that have struggled for much of the season, and Cook comes in after captaining Englands Under-20s to World Cup success last summer. Joe Hart keeps his spot despite his poor form and lack of minutes at West Ham and Jack Wilshire makes a welcome return after two years out.

The Netherlands will be playing under Ronald Koeman for the very first time as he looks to revive the fortunes of the team in orange. The former Southampton and Everton boss had named Liverpool`s Virgil van Dijk as captain and handed call-ups to Ajax winger Justin Kluivert, AZ Alkmaar trio Marco Bizot, Guus Til and Wout Weghorst, and Hans Hateboer of Atalanta.

Recent Form (All competitions)

Netherlands: WLWWW

England: DWWWW

Betting odds and tips

Friendlies are notoriously hard to predict but games between these teams have often featured goals. With plenty of new faces getting a run out a tight game with little to separate the teams can be expected. So look at the draw with both teams to score.

You can back the Draw and Both Teams to Score at a price of 7/2.

By Neil Morris