Lineth Beerensteyn has not yet participated in group training with the Dutch Lionesses in preparation for the European Championship. According to national coach Andries Jonker, he is “absolutely convinced” that she will make the tournament. Vivianne Miedema seems certain to participate.
Beerensteyn sustained an injury at the end of April and has not played since. She reported to Zeist last Thursday for the start of the European Championship preparation but has not yet trained with the group.
The 28-year-old striker will not be in action in the farewell match against Finland on Thursday. It is questionable whether she will make the first European Championship match. The Dutch Lionesses start the final tournament next Saturday with a match against Wales.
“It’s about making the European Championship. We haven’t pinned her down to which match that will be,” national coach Jonker said on Wednesday at an online press conference.
“The progression is as planned by the medical staff. She is absolutely convinced that she will make it. She has confidence in it. Knowing her for three years now, that is a very important point. From there, we also believe in it.”
Jonker will be able to use Miedema against Finland. The top scorer of the Dutch Lionesses has recovered from a hamstring injury and will be in the starting line-up for the farewell duel in Leeuwarden. “She will play as long as possible. Then everyone can see that she has worked hard and is on the right track.”
The farewell match in the Kooi Stadion starts at 8:00 PM. The first European Championship match of the Dutch Lionesses is next Saturday at 6:00 PM against Wales. The following Wednesday, Jonker’s team will play against England from 6:00 PM. The Dutch Lionesses will play the last group match on July 13 at 9:00 PM against France.