Under manager Andries Jonker, the Dutch have lacked flair and cohesion to fulfill their potential and go on to greater heights at major tournaments.
What to expect?
In some ways, the Netherlands are like Norway and Denmark. They have talented with players plying their trade in the big leagues and at top clubs, but they don’t quite deliver anymore at the international level because other countries have caught up.
In 2017, the Netherlands enjoyed a dreamy summer on home soil, winning the European title, but today things are different. Results under Jonker have been acceptable with a spot in the last eight at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and a semi-final in the Nations League, but qualifying for Euro 2025 was not straightforward. The Dutch almost required a playoff to get to Switzerland.
With a lot of players over 30, Jonker has not found the answers to get his team playing the kind of football that is so associated with the Netherlands. They lack flair and a bit of firepower, and sometimes conviction. The team has been stagnating and the manager will depart after EURO 2025.
There are too many question marks to see the Dutch go very far. They find themselves in the group of death with England, France and Wales. Recent results have not been encouraging: a 4-0 humiliation by Germany, a 1-1 draw against Scotland and a narrow 2-1 victory over Finland.
Last year they played a superb friendly against the United States, losing 2-1. It was 90 minutes that showed how good Oranje can be on the day, but those performances have been few and far. Striker Vivianne Miedema struggled with a knee injury and Lineth Beerensteyn also has fitness concerns. You fear the Dutch – aging, out of form and with a manager on the way out – won’t be in Switzerland for more than nine days.
Star player
Viviane Miedema (Manchester City – pictured) – All-time leading goal scorer in the WSL and for Oranje. Two-footed, great movement and composed finisher, but with fitness concerns. Member of the team that triumphed at EURO 2017. Silver medalist at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Doesn’t like to celebrate goals. A Feyenoord supporter and advocate for a variety of causes.
Lineth Beerensteyn (VFL Wolfsburg) – Top scorer in the Bundesliga and key to the Dutch attack. High work rate and fast. Two-footed as well. Previously at ADO Den Haag, Bayern Munich and Juventus. Heritage in Suriname.
Manager
Andries Jonker – Arrived in 2022 to succeed Englishman Mark Parsons, but the Dutch FA will not retain his services after EURO 2025. That’s left him infuriated. Steady results under his command, but has failed to inspire or develop the team. The days of the Wiegman era feel a long time ago. His team play in a 3-5-2 formation but he may well switch to a classic 4-3-3. Never a professional player, Jonker has managed both in the men’s and women’s game. Former assistant of the venerable Louis van Gaal at FC Barcelona.
Schedule
July 5, 2025: vs Wales, Allmend Stadion Luzern, Luzern, 6 pm
July 9, 2025, vs England, Letzigrund, Zurich, 6 pm
July 13, 2025: vs France, St. Jakob Park, Basel, 9 pm