England women’s national team take on the Netherlands on Thursday night in a huge Euro 2017 semi-final. Chelsea will be well represented.
England suck at football. The men that is. The women, meanwhile, are fantastic. After a storming World Cup campaign where they finished third, the Lionesses are pushing for Euros glory. Mark Sampson’s women take on Holland on Thursday night, one win away from the Euro 2017 final. Chelsea will be well represented with Millie Bright and Frank Kirby in the starting eleven.
Bright will start in defence while Kirby will get the nod further up the field. The former will take up a key position in the centre of the back four while the latter will be looking to make a difference behind striker Jodie Taylor.
England are undefeated in the tournament thus far, finishing top of their group. Wins at the group stage were over Spain, Portugal and local rivals Scotland. However, their most impressive result came in the quarter-finals when they narrowly overcame tournament favourites, France.
Having registered 6-0, 2-0, 2-1 and 1-0 results, the Lionesses will be quietly confident of getting the result. The two Blues stars will have a huge part to play if they are to reach that final. Bright has started all four of England’s games thus far while Kirby has started three. Both have proven themselves to be integral to the team and impressive performances from them will likely drive the Lionesses to a win.
There could be even more Chelsea involvement with midfielder Karen Carney on the bench. Carly Telford, meanwhile, is the backup goalkeeper.
Holland have also impressed in the tournament, remaining unbeaten as well. They comfortably eased past Sweden in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win. As the hosts, they will have a sell-out crowd on their side. Mark Sampson’s charges will need to handle the pressure.
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The England women’s football team captured the imagination two years ago and have done the same this summer. If watching in the United Kingdom, tune in to Channel 4 or Eurosport 1 for a 7.45pm kick off!