We opened this tournament with a betting preview that gave out the Netherlands (+1600) as our best bet to win Euro 2024 and Cody Gakpo (+6500) as our best bet to win POT. The Dutch are a game away from the final and Gakpo is the tournament's leading goal scorer.
That said, they came out of a relatively soft group (no offense France, as in no goals) and knockout wins over Romania and Turkey were something few would have been surprised by heading into the tournament.
England poses a much different, much more challenging test in the semi-final. The Three Lions were the betting favorite at the start of the tournament and have looked the part defensively, but have looked disjointed and overly conservative going forward.
Phil Foden was another player we liked for POT but he's looked completely out of place and has yet to score in the tournament.
England had better figure it out ahead of Wednesday's semi-final because this Netherlands defense is world class. They started a back four of Ake, van Dijk, de Vrij, and Dumfries against Turkey, but substitutes Micky van de Ven and Jeremie Frimpong are players that would start for nearly any other team in this tournament.
Given they are the tournament favorites, playing in a semifinal against a relatively untested Dutch side, it should come as no surprise that England opened as slight betting favorites.
DraftKings Sportsbook set England's odds to advance at -135, while the Netherlands are +105 to advance to the final. Here are the full odds for this semi-final matchup:
Regular time odds: Netherlands +215 | Draw +180 | England +165
Odds to advance: Netherlands +105 vs England -135
Total: Over 2.5 Goals +165 | Under 2.5 Goals -210
I'm holding a healthy-sized Netherlands ticket, but this pick is not a hedge. The English midfield is going to be too much for the Dutch, possession should be lopsided, and chances hard to come by. In the end, Three Lions will find a way to get a goal and should also have an advantage if this match goes to PK's.
England has yet to put together a complete performance in the Euro 2024 tournament, and fans are letting them hear it. Many want to see more Cole Palmer and there is an ever-growing contingence who want to see Ollie Watkins start over Harry Kane.
We don't think there will be any dramatic changes to the lineup, but do think Southgate will adjust the tactics ahead of this matchup with a talented Netherlands team.
Denzel Dumfries has been a menace getting forward for the Netherlands throughout this tournament. It was his ball to Gakpo that gave the Dutch the lead over Turkey. If the Netherlands does score, we like it to come off of a Dumfries cross and love his +850 odds.
Best of luck with your Euro wagers today!