Holland

v

England

 

 

2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Abe Lenstra Stadion, Heerenveen
5.15pm (BST), Wednesday 20 June 2007
Live on Sky Sports
Match details

England Coach Stuart Pearce returned to Heerenveen on Tuesday to have a look around the Abe Lenstra Stadion, where the Three Lions will meet Holland in their Semi-Final showdown. 

Pearce is familiar with the ground having made previous scouting missions here whilst at Manchester City. As he prepares to lead England into their important meeting with the hosts, Pearce is expecting a 'special' atmosphere.

However, he won't be making any predictions and, after three games each, is still not sure who the favourites will be.  

"I’ve been to Heerenveen a few times looking at George [Samaras], it’s a special place," he said. 

"The support is a little bit partisan, but in a good way. It’s a smashing atmosphere for the club games, we’ve been to see Ajax play here and a European fixture here.

"It’s a fantastic atmosphere, a very friendly place. We’re looking forward to it.

"Going into the tournament, when asked the question ‘who are the favourites’ I couldn’t tell you. We’re at the Semi-Final stage and I still can’t say. We’ll know a bit more after Wednesday evening, that’s for sure."

Pearce and his coaching team have been doing their homework, watching hours of footage from this tournament to learn as much as he can about his opponents.

He highlights two players from the Dutch side who have done well to date, but knows not to underestimate any of their squad. But he also feels that he has players within his ranks who can lead England to victory.

"They are a good footballing side, they mirror the Dutch way of football. A good passing, athletic team and have played very well in the tournament so far," said Pearce. 

"Our players will be well aware of their strengths and weaknesses going into the game as we’ve prepared for all the other matches. It will be a pretty good open game.

"I think Drenthe and Babel stick out, they’ve had good tournaments so far. We’re aware of all the players in the Dutch squad. It’s my business to know all the players in the Dutch side that are doing well.

"But I think some of the players in my squad have created a good reputation for themselves and it’ll stand them in good stead in future.

He added: "The fitness of both sides will be very important. We’ve both had tough runs in the group to get to this stage.

"The confidence is high in both camps, certainly in ours it is and being the host nation it should be in theirs too.

"I think it will be a very tight game and small things will decide who wins and who doesn’t."