Michael Reiziger of Jong Oranje is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the lineup for the European Championship semi-finals. The national coach does not want to reveal which players will replace the suspended Ruben van Bommel, Devyne Rensch and Kenneth Taylor.
“For us, the puzzle has been solved,” Reiziger said a day before the semi-final against England in an interview with Ziggo Sport. “I know who the replacements for the three are, but I can’t reveal anything about it. We have many options and that is what makes the team so good.”
Jong Oranje won the quarter-final against Portugal on Saturday despite an early red card for Van Bommel, but that did not happen without consequences. Taylor and captain Rensch both picked up their second yellow card of the tournament and are therefore automatically suspended, just like Van Bommel.
Reiziger did reveal that Ajacied Jorrel Hato will wear the captain’s armband in the absence of Rensch. “He is one of the most experienced players in this group and has also gained a lot of experience with the Dutch national team. He has also been captain at Ajax,” Reiziger explained the choice.
With England, Jong Oranje meets the best team of the tournament. Coach Lee Carsley’s team is the defending champion in Slovakia and settled with Spain in the quarter-finals on Saturday, the losing finalist from two years ago.
‘It’s an almost un-English team’
England includes Harvey Elliott, who is a valued substitute at Arne Slot’s Liverpool. Reiziger also sees the English as one of the best teams. “But at the moment there are only good teams.”
“We have finished in the top four in Europe. That is clever, but we want to reach the final. Then you have to win from a strong England. It is a footballing team, almost un-English. It will be difficult. They have a lot of quality and can accelerate with the intensity they are used to in the Premier League.”
Jong Oranje-Jong England starts on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Slovak capital Bratislava. The winner will play in the final on Saturday against Germany or France, who will face each other in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
It promises to be a tough game for Jong Oranje, not only because of the opponent. Around kick-off, it is expected to be around 32 degrees in Bratislava.