Wout Weghorst has endured a mixed Euro 2024. (Image: Getty)
Wout Weghorst will be hoping to make an impact and silence his doubters when the Netherlands take on England for a spot in the Euro 2024 final later today.
Weghorst is yet to start a match for the semi-finalists and has only been used as a substitute by manager Ronald Koeman.
That’s despite the ex-Manchester United loanee playing a key role for the Dutch when called upon.
The striker came off the bench to score a dramatic 83rd-minute winner in the Netherlands’ opening group match against Poland.
Weghorst also helped turn the game around when he was brought off the bench at half-time during the 2010 World Cup runner-up’s quarter-final against Turkey.
The Netherlands trailed at the break and while he didn’t get his name on the scoresheet, his presence at the tip of attack provided the Dutch with a much-needed focal point.
Weghorst has previously spoken about missing out on the starting XI, with the 31-year-old also criticising his team-mates for their poor finishing ability.
Speaking after the Poland victory, Weghorst commented: "We were dominant in the first half, and we were the better team.
Wout Weghorst has impressed off the bench for the Netherlands. (Image: Getty)
“We created six or seven really, really good chances. But we have to be more clinical and then you can make things easier. We didn't do that.” Koeman had admitted afterwards that Weghorst was 'upset' at being benched for that game.
Back home in Holland, especially after the Turkey turnaround, talk about Weghorst coming into the starting XI has dominated the build-up ahead of tonight’s semi-final.
However, Koeman was spared the heat of answering questions about his potential team selection yesterday after travel disruption delayed his side’s arrival in Dortmund.
The train which was meant to take the Netherlands squad to the historic German city was cancelled because of a blockage on the tracks.
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It meant Koeman and Nathan Ake couldn’t take part in their usual pre-match press conference, as the team had to fly to Dortmund instead.
Less than ideal preparation, but it isn’t something England boss Gareth Southgate thinks will make much difference to their opponent’s performance.
Speaking in his press conference yesterday, which wasn’t impacted by train problems, Southgate said: "I don't see any impact on the game. The game is not until 9pm tomorrow. I'm sure they will get dinner when they arrive."
Tonight’s clash marks the first time since 1996 that England have faced the Netherlands at the European Championship - a match in which the Three Lions roared their way to a commanding 4-1 victory.
What Southgate and co. would do for a repeat of that scoreline in Dortmund this evening.
