“Makes you think it’s written in the stars” - Gary Neville makes prediction ahead of Euro 2024 semi-final between England and Netherlands
Former England defender Gary Neville has backed the Three Lions to get past the Netherlands in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final. The two sides will compete at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund on Wednesday, July 10.
Gareth Southgate's side have been poor this tournament but have still managed to reach the semi-finals. They have won just one game in regulation time, which was their opener against Serbia. They drew against Denmark and Slovenia and then beat Slovakia in extra time in the Round of 16. They then beat Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals.
England will now take on the Netherlands, who beat Turkiye 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Ahead of the game, Manchester United legend Gary Neville pointed out the luck they have had at Euro 2024 and believes it's 'written in the stars'. He said on ITV (via United in Focus):
“Do you know something? Honestly, I think there’s an element of what’s happening in this tournament that makes you think it’s written in the stars.
“Something is happening. Everything that could fall for us is. We’ve won one game in 90 minutes out of five and yet we’re in the semis so you think something is happening for us.”
The winner of England vs the Netherlands will face the winner of Spain vs France in the Euro 2024 final.
Gary Neville on England facing the Netherlands in Euro 2024 semi-final
The Three Lions have had a relatively easier run, on paper, at Euro 2024. They face Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia in the group stages and other results meant they fell on the favorable side of the draw. Germany, Spain, Portugal, France, and Belgium were all on the other side.
England faced Slovakia in the Round of 16 and Switzerland in the quarter-finals and will now face the Netherlands. Gary Neville pointed out how it will be a big 'step up' for the Three Lions in terms of their opponents, saying:
“That’s a proper game. You’re always going to face the best teams at some point in the competition.
“England’s route so far has been pretty favourable. This is a step up but you’d expect that in a semi-final.”
The Netherlands beat Poland, drew against France, and lost against Austria in their Euro 2024 group stages. They qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams and beat Romania 3-0 in the Round of 16. They then beat Turkiye 2-1 in the quarter-finals.