After a disappointing period in June, where the Netherlands suffered defeats in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals against Croatia and in the third-place play-off against Italy, they have regrouped and maintained their focus on their UEFA European Championship Qualifying campaign. They secured a routine victory over Greece and followed it up with a comeback win against the Republic of Ireland, ensuring that their fate in the qualifiers remains in their own hands.

Under the guidance of Ronald Koeman, the Dutch team now have the opportunity to close the gap on Group B leaders France to just three points. Additionally, they will be eager to avenge their heavy 4-0 defeat in their European Championship qualifying opener. However, it won’t be an easy task as the Netherlands have struggled in their recent home matches against teams currently ranked in FIFA’s top 50, managing only one draw and two losses in their last three encounters. On the positive side, they have a strong head-to-head record against Les Bleus on home soil, with eight wins, two draws, and three losses.

France will visit the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam following a friendly loss to Germany, which is their only setback in 2023. Returning to competitive action should benefit Didier Deschamps’ men, who have been dominant in their opening five European Championship qualifying matches, winning all of them without conceding a goal. This impressive run indicates a high chance of securing their ninth consecutive appearance at the European Championship.

A victory in this match would guarantee France a spot in the finals in Germany. However, even avoiding defeat could be enough if other results work in their favor. The French team is determined to win their first Euros crown since 2000. They should be confident, considering their recent success in away matches, winning their last five European Championship qualifiers on the road without conceding a goal. However, they have struggled against higher-ranked opponents, failing to win any of their last six away matches against teams currently ranked in FIFA’s top 50, with four draws and two losses.

Netherlands vs. France – lineups

Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, Veerman, Blind; Simons, Weghorst, Malen

France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Pavard, Konate, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud