History says draw but recent results say an England win against Netherlands

Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | March 28, 2016

England v Netherlands

Bloodthirsty Three Lions to belie record against Dutch

After beating theirs and the Netherlands’ arch-rivals Germany on away soil for the third time in succession, England are odds-on 7/10 favourites with Coral for another win in their next Euro 2016 warm-up friendly.

The Three Lions’ chances of victory is all the more heightened with Clockwork Orange’s injury issues, and not to mention their poor form that saw them fail to qualify for the France finals.

First-choice keeper Jasper Cillessen, Ajax skipper Davy Klaassen and former great Wesley Sneijder are the latest names to withdraw from their squad, while there is a dearth of experience among available options in defence.

Two Premier League players have got the call instead, as Tottenham number two Michel Vorm and Chelsea-owned midfielder Marco van Ginkel (on loan at PSV Eindhoven) join up with the rest of the squad in England.

Foxes and Spurs stars to impress again

England go into this clash on an almighty high after their 3-2 comeback triumph over the Germans, and can largely thank stars from domestic top two Spurs and Leicester City.

Harry Kane proved that he can transfer his ability from club to country, as he produced a moment of magic to get his side back on the scoresheet, in recognition of the late great Johan Cruyff by using the late Dutchman’s famous turn just before dispatching.

Cunning Kane is even-money to strike anytime again, but is a more enticing 5/1 for two or more on this occasion.

His clubmates Dele Alli (7/2 in the anytime market) and Eric Dier (7/1) were also dominant in midfield, particularly in the second-half. The latter saved the former’s blushes after a shock miss by heading home the winner late on.

It seems that everything Leicester’s Jamie Vardy touches turns to gold, meanwhile, as moments after coming on from off the bench, he made a mockery of arguably the world’s best goalie Manuel Neuer by flicking a shot past him. You can back him at 5/1 to strike last.

Forgotten men Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott may get a run-out on this occasion, and are respective 6/5 and 7/4 shouts to score anytime, while Danny Drinkwater is reportedly set to make his senior England debut at some stage in the match.

Down and depleted Dutch no match for England

As for the visiting Netherlands (17/4 match chances), they were also involved in a 3-2 result this international break, but in a loss to Euro 2016 hosts France at home.

They can take heart from the fact that they beat the Three Lions by that exact scoreline the last time the duo faced each other, incidentally at Wembley too in 2012, so take terrific odds of 13/2 for there to be over 4.5 total goals once more.

Clockwork Orange are even undefeated against England in each of their last six duels, though four of the previous five were draws so a share of the spoils again is priced at 13/5.

Despite a depleted squad without well-known absentees such as Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Eljero Elia, Leroy Fer, Nigel de Jong, Bruno Martins Indi, Stefan de Vrij, Gregory van der Wiel, Erik Pieters, Daryl Janmaat, Tim Krul and Maarten Stekelenburg too, Danny Blind can still call upon on some top names.

Premier League talents Memphis Depay (11/4 to net anytime), Georginio Wijnaldum, Ibrahim Afellay (both 5/1), Jordy Clasie (8/1), Virgil van Dijk (9/1) and Daley Blind (16/1) are available.

Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (15/8) is also likely to start up top, and he’ll be looking to strike again after scoring against England last time out.

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Coral’s top tip: Odds of 13/2 are available for over 4.5 total match goals in this Wembley battle.