Netherlands vs. England: Live Stream, TV Info for Women's Euro 2017 Semi-Final
England's Lionesses will head into the lion's den on Thursday, as they meet host nation the Netherlands in the semi-final of the UEFA Women's Euro 2017.
Mark Sampson's side turned in a brilliant performance in the quarter-finals to overcome one of the big tournament favourites in France, with Jodie Taylor's goal eventually proving to be the difference in a tight encounter.
Their reward will be a meeting with the Dutch, who have also impressed on their way to the last four. They had things much easier in the quarter-final, as they comfortably progressed past Sweden in a 2-0 win. Lieke Martens and Vivianne Miedema were on the scoresheet.
Read on for the key viewing details for this fixture at the FC Twente Stadion in Enschede and a preview of a game with the potential to be one of the highlights of the football summer.
Date: Thursday, August 3
Time: 7:45 p.m. (BST), 8:45 p.m. (Local)
TV Info: Channel 4 (UK), Eurosport (UK)
Live Stream: All 4 (UK), Eurosport Player (UK)
Preview
England's quarter-final showdown with France was everything you would expect at this stage of a major tournament.
Both teams were tentative, chances were scarce and at times the battles in midfield were frantic. Nerves were prominent in both sets of players early on and while the game was an entertaining spectacle, neither played to their full potential.
It's in these types of matches that goalscorers can be decisive. And in Taylor, England have the finest poacher in the competition. Here's a look at her winning goal from Sunday, per Eurosport UK:
As noted by the tournament's official Twitter account, the 31-year-old has been in sensational form this summer:
There’s more to this England side than their No. 9, though. At the back, skipper Steph Houghton has been exceptional in organising the team, while the likes of Fran Kirby and Jordan Nobbs were effervescent presences in midfield against the French.
One major blow for the Lionesses will be the absence of Jill Scott. The combative midfielder was outstanding in the quarter-final, giving England thrust and presence in the middle of the park. But a rash challenge saw her yellow-carded and subsequently suspended for the semi-final.
"I'm disappointed I can't put myself up for selection," she told BBC Sport after the match. "But I'm very confident in this team and I know we will carry on this journey on Thursday."
There are plenty who will be hoping the team do keep their hopes of glory alive. As noted by the Channel 4 Press account, the exploits of this team have captured the attentions of a nation:
The same can be said for the Netherlands side, as they have been well backed at all of their matches so far.
They have relished that support and, like England, have won every game they've played to this point. Head coach Sarina Wiegman has the team purring and in players such as Martens, Miedema and Sherida Spitse, they have firepower all over the pitch. Additionally, the Oranje have been stingy in defence, conceding just one goal.
They will know, like England, that this semi-final represents a massive opportunity, especially with Germany—the winners of the previous six editions of this competition—eliminated in the quarters. As noted by journalist Andrew Gibney, there have been some surprise results:
Indeed, whoever comes through this semi-final will be the bookmakers' favourite to be crowned queens of the continent.
The Netherlands are dangerous and with home support behind them, they will be highly motivated for this encounter. But under Sampson, the Lionesses have so often blossomed on the big stage and thrived in the face of adversity. Expect them to do so again here.
Prediction: Netherlands 0-1 England
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