Million Manhoef’s Netherlands team will be without three key players as they line up for an under-21s European Championship semi-final against England this afternoon.\aptain Devyne Rensch, vice-captain Kenneth Taylor and Ruben van Bommel are all suspended for the 5pm showdown in Bratislava, when they will playing for a place in the final on Sunday against either Germany or France. Young Stoke keeper Tommy Simkin is in the England squad, where he has been back-up to Birmingham City-bound James Beadle, while Manhoef is a right wing starter for the Jong Oranje
It will be a big test for both teams and Manhoef is likely to go up against Newcastle United left-back Tino Livramento, who has been tipped to become a “top player” by England coach Ashley Cole. This will be Manhoef’s last tournament at youth level. He was only a couple of days inside the “born on or after January 1, 2002” limit for this one.
The Netherlands have shown they are fighters, finding a late winner in the quarter-final against Portugal despite being reduced to 10 men as early as the 21st minute when Van Bommel was dismissed. They have been practising penalties since they got together in a pre-tournament camp, just in case they need to go to a shoot-out.
Head coach Michael Reiziger is aware of the challenge of taking on an England team that doesn’t necessarily live up to stereotype.
(This England team is) almost un-English,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “If you consider how we consider English football, this is a very good football team with a lot of qualities. It will be a tough job but we are among the four best in Europe.”
Neraysho Kasanwirjo will replace Rensch as right-back while Reiziger has to choose between Milambo and Youri Regeer to fill Taylor’s spot in midfield. Ernest Poku, who scored the winner against Portugal, is likely to step in for Van Bommel up front.
Reiziger said: “We won’t win the sportsmanship award for once. That’s part of teams that play with their heart and passion.”
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