Netherlands’ plans thrown into chaos before England clash with pre-match press conference cancelled
TRAVEL chaos has rocked the Netherlands’ preparations for England.
Ronald Koeman and Co had to call off their press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final as a rail-line blockage forced them to switch to FLYING in – much later on Tuesday night.
The train journey from Wolfsburg to Dortmund was curtailed by major problems with the track.
Tuesday’s meeting with the media was due to start at 7.45pm.
And the alternative trip by air is reportedly not due to leave until 8.20pm.
Wolfsburg is 155 miles from Dortmund – about two and a half hours via train or under half that by plane.
The delay means the Dutch will be taking on Gareth Southgate‘s men for a place in Sunday’s final less than 24 hours after arriving in the city.
It’s England’s seventh semi in a major tournament as they look to better being Euro 2020 runners-up to Italy.
Boss Southgate could well bow out after the tournament – whatever happens.
And while the Dutch face a travel headache, the Three Lions must tackle a selection dilemma.
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Southgate finally has a fully fit squad – with Marc Guehi, his Mr Consistency in the first four matches, back from suspension and fellow defender Luke Shaw now match sharp after injury.
The England chief insists he is keen to play stylishly – despite five cautious, cagey, often patchy performances to reach the last four.
He said: “Our intention is to play with the ball, but you have opponents trying to stop you.
“We aren’t able to score lots but the last three games we’ve played against five at the back.
“We’re through to our third semi-final in four attempts but that’s not where we want it to end.”
Meanwhile, before his squad’s train trouble, Koeman said: “For the whole nation, it’s something special.
“We are a small nation and we’re in the semi-finals with England, France and Spain.
“We are really proud. We had to suffer but it’s a great success to get the opportunity to play in a semi-final.”
