Manchester United legend Gary Neville and former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott made their feelings clear on one Euro 2024 semi-final clash in Germany.
The first of the two Euro 2024 semi-final clashes will take place on Tuesday, with Spain set to take on France at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Spain defeated host nation Germany 2-1 in extra time in the quarter-finals, while France secured a penalty shootout win to knock Portugal out of the tournament.
On the other side of the semi-final bracket, the Netherlands and England will meet in the last four at the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund on Wednesday.
The Netherlands produced a sensational 2-1 comeback win against Turkey in the quarter-finals and punched their ticket to the semi-finals of this summer’s Euros.
England, on the other hand, booked their showdown with the Netherlands after a penalty shootout win over Switzerland at the Dusseldorf Arena on Saturday.
Neville and Lescott make Euro 2024 prediction
Speaking on ITV after the Netherlands’ win over Turkey, Gary Neville admitted that England have had a tide of fortunes at Euro 2024 in Germany.
The Three Lions were considered one of the tournament favourites, despite underwhelming with their performances at the Euros.
England were fortunate to avoid being dumped out of the round of 16 after a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Slovakia.
The Three Lions also came under criticism for their draws against Slovakia and Denmark earlier in the competition, despite finishing top of Group C.
When asked for a prediction for the Netherlands vs England, Neville said: “Do you know something?
“Honestly, I think there’s an element of what’s happening in this tournament that makes you think it’s written in the stars.
“Something is happening. Everything that could fall for us is. We’ve won one game in 90 minutes out of five and yet we’re in the semis so you think something is happening for us.”
Joleon Lescott, unlike Manchester United legend Neville, insisted that he was “confident” that England would overcome the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
“I’m confident. Maybe it’s just the effect of winning on penalties but I’m confident we will beat Holland,” he said, as per the Metro.
Neville on England facing a big ‘step up’
Neville admitted that the Netherlands played out a “proper” match against Turkey and believes that Ronald Koeman’s men will be a real test for England.
“That’s a proper game,” he said.
“You’re always going to face the best teams at some point in the competition.
“England’s route so far has been pretty favourable. This is a step up but you’d expect that in a semi-final.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/vWZSLFI