Lionesses to upset Euro 2017 hosts
Published:
Our 27/10 NAP suggests the Netherlands could be bowing out of the competition
England Women take on the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Championships on Thursday and Mark Sampson’s side are favourites to progress.
We tipped up Jodie Taylor to score first at a tasty 5/1 against France in the quarter-finals but for this different kind of test, we’re keeping things slightly more conservative.
The Lionesses arguably have the best defence in the competition and although shot stopper Karen Bardsley will be a miss between the sticks, Siobhan Chamberlain is a more than able deputy. Our NAP of the match is England Women to Win to Nil at 27/10.
Fancy something at more of a price? Then read on for more top tips…
Lack of goals on the menu
Although England got off to a lightning start, destroying Scotland 6-0, they’ve since found themselves up against sterner defences and in the end, only come away with one or two goals.
The Netherlands have only conceded a single goal in the tournament so far, the same as England, but are unlikely to go and put five past the Lionesses either, so the 29/20 on offer for under 1.5 match goals looks good.
England have the quality to get past the hosts though and so we’re looking more towards 10/3 about England to win and under 2.5 goals.
Correct score could be the way to go
England showed against Spain in the group stages that they’re more than capable of not having the ball for long periods and still come away with a win, while they’re win over France showed they can battle if they need to.
It’s going be very tough for Mark Sampson’s team, as his side will have to deal with 90% of the stadium cheering on their opponents, but previous meetings between the sides suggest England have a slight edge.
The Lionesses have never lost to the Netherlands and came away with a 1-0 win back in Euro 2012. The two nations played a friendly in November 2016 and the result was – you guessed it – 1-0 to England. Sandwiched between those wins was a 1-1 draw in the Cyprus Cup in 2015, suggesting this will be a tight affair.
We’re backing England to win 1-0 at 11/2, while those who expect the Lionesses to make it more comfortable can get 10/1 for a 2-0 win.
*Prices correct at time of publishing
