England aim to find way past Netherlands

UEFA European Under-17 Championship holders England face the Netherlands in the first semi-final on Thursday morning in Novi Sad with the task of beating a Dutch defence unbreached in five games.

Not only did Albert Stuivenberg's side not concede in topping Group B here, they let in no goals in their last two elite round games. Indeed, since losing their season-opening friendly 2-1 to Germany, the Netherlands have allowed only two goals in 13 games. By contrast, England's openers in Group A were a 2-2 draw with France and 2-0 loss to Denmark before Monday's excellent 3-0 dismissal of hosts Serbia.

"What the result on Friday against Denmark did, it really tested the belief of the players," England manager John Peacock told UEFA.com. "To have the experience they've had in coming back from a difficult result then coming out on top shows a great amount of character and a learning experience that will be invaluable."

Peacock has called up Liverpool FC winger Jack Dunn to replace injured club-mate Raheem Sterling while they await news of a scan on Nick Powell's knee problem. Finals top scorer Hallam Hope, meanwhile, is in good shape as Peacock's side aim to beat the Dutch defence. "It's very impressive, any team that can not concede is a great starting point to have," the manager said. "Five games is a magnificent achievement but I hope we can score one or two against them and put them under a bit of pressure."

Netherlands coach Stuivenberg was able to rest seven starters for Monday's 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic, as he aims to end his nation's record of never having beaten England at this level and reach their third final since 2005. "England are a physically strong side with great potential players," he said."They struggled in their group, but they will have confidence from their last game."

As for being able to leave out key men in the last game, Stuivenberg added: "In the moment you make that choice and think it is the best thing to do. I truly believe I will still think that after tomorrow's game, as a lot of players had a very tough programme, they played their last league game the Thursday before the tournament.

"They needed a rest and I do believe the other players deserved to play in that game and proved in training and all preparations they were very involved in the team. Hopefully tomorrow the players will be fresh enough to start the game well."

This is Peacock's fifth U17 semi-final and Stuivenberg's third in four years, and the Netherlands trainer said: "The experience you have as a coach over the years works as a benefit to the team. The way you fill your programme, the way you let your players get involved in the strategy – they are very involved in what we do on the pitch. At the moment it is working well."