The English and the Dutch meet for the first time since Euro 96, when the Three Lions put in one of their greatest ever performances.
Prepare yourselves, this looks like going exactly the way you thought it would. Let’s look at the evidence as to why this will probably be a dour old stalemate. Or maybe not.
England have been dire to watch but we’re all getting used to this being tournament football in the middle of a time when footballers are being pushed to their limits so the idea of being entertaining has gone out of the window. Semi-final time so it’s all about winning.
There were signs from England in their quarter final against Switzerland but they face a Dutch side who have been involved in the rare games with goals in this tournament. I don’t rate the Dutch but they’re here too so both sides have to be given credit.
Cody Gakpo has benefited from the Netherlands slightly lop-sided way of playing. They attack down the right, swing the ball across and Gakpo arrives to double up at the far post. England will have to beware an aerial threat from open play and especially at corners with Virgil van Dijk. When England attack you get the real battle of Saka versus Ake and Kane versus Van Dijk. There are battles across the park.
If Southgate keep to his quarter-final shape and plays Luke Shaw at left back, the space it gives Bellingham and Foden could finally see this side become an attacking force – so long as they keep it tight at the back.
It's the Dutch form that is informing my bet here because this is England’s first game against an open side in months. It could become a Premier League style slugfest.
Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score in the 90 is 2/1
I’m backing Gakpo any time at 17/4
Draw and both to score is 19/5 because this is going to penalties and England win again at 8/1