WATCH: Xavi Simons scores wonder strike against England in UEFA Euro 2024

Netherlands faced England in the second semi-final of the UEFA Euro 2024 in Dortmund. This was the first big test for England and needed a big performance to ensure they book their place in the finals of the competition for the second consecutive time. 

Xavi Simons lit up the semi-final within the first ten minutes as he gave the lead to his side with a wonderful goal from outside the box. He won the ball from Arsenal’s Declan Rice and he took a powerful shot from approximately 25 yards and Jordan Pickford had no chance of stopping that. Since then Harry Kane has equalised for the England team after winning a penalty. 

Stop that Xavi Simons. pic.twitter.com/blCZdaiaQn

— Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) July 10, 2024

In their quarterfinal matchups, both teams gave up the first goal before prevailing; England defeated Switzerland during a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw, while the Netherlands triumphed 2-1 over Turkey.

After matches against Slovenia, Serbia, Denmark, and Slovakia, followed by elimination matches against Slovakia and Switzerland, the Netherlands are going to be by far the best-ranked team that England has faced.

With three goals, Cody Gakpo has become the highest scoring player still present at UEFA Euro 2024. What appeared to have been a fourth goal versus Turkey was given as an own goal. England's leading scorers are Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.

Which players are starting for England vs Netherlands?

Kobbie Mainoo, who is 19 years and 82 days old, is the youngest player from England to appear in an international event quarterfinal. After skipping the quarterfinal match due to suspension, defender Marc Guehi rejoins England and takes Ezri Konsa's position. Netherlands has selected an unaltered squad for this pivotal semifinal match.

England: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Kieran Trippier; Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka; Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Harry Kane 

Netherlands: Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Virgil van Dijk, Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Ake; Tijjani Reijnders, Jerdy Schouten, Xavi Simons; Donyell Malen, Cody Gakpo, Memphis Depay