SCOUTING REPORT

Manager Frank de Boer

De Boer was handed the reins in September and performances have steadily improved after a slow start as the team adjusted to the former defender’s more pragmatic, possession-based approach.

Record P 9 W 4 D 3 L 2

All games

Strengths

• In-form talent

• Excellent engine room

• A wealth of youngsters

Weaknesses

• Question marks over coach

• Limited goalscorers

• Penalty shootout baggage

Prospects

The Netherlands have a shot at going deep if they can finish top of a winnable section. Securing first place in Group C will set up a last-16 meeting with one of the four best third-placed sides from the group stage and will see them avoid the threats of Italy and Belgium in that half of the draw.

Inside info

Andy Brassell

I don’t especially like their chances. Someone like De Ligt will be asked to do so much and he is only 21, Van de Beek has barely played and the coach De Boer has so much to prove. I’d also play Memphis up front through the middle even though many people say Weghorst could get the nod as a target man. At least Frenkie de Jong is getting better with every game he plays but it’s unlikely to be enough.