Former Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart’s scathing comments about England have resurfaced on the eve of the Euro 2024 semi-final between the two nations.
Gareth Southgate’s men booked their place in the last four after beating Switzerland via a penalty shootout on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands came from behind to beat Turkey after failing to impress in the group stages.
The clash on Wednesday night is one one that Van der Vaart will look forward to having not held back on his criticism of England over the past few years.
The Three Lion suffered a penalty shootout defeat against Italy in the Euro 2020 final and the former Tottenham midfielder criticised Southgate’s tactics.
Rafael van der Vaart’s comments about England have resurfaced on the eve of the semi-final
The Three Lions will face the Netherlands on Wednesday for a place in the Euro 2024 final
‘This England side… they spend the whole game with their ass in their own box while having so much quality in the squad. It’s sad,’ Van der Vaart said.
The 41-year-old also delivered a scathing verdict into Rashford’s penalty, saying he should have done a more ‘normal’ run-up.
As reported by Dutch website Voetbalzone, he said on Dutch TV: ‘They’re young and I don’t think it’s that sad.
‘You can just take a normal run-up, can’t you? It’s all a little interesting. If you already know you have to go left, you might as well stand there, right? That’s good, then. He has a good kick… well.’
Van de Vaart caused further uproar in 2019 when he slammed Harry Maguire following the Netherlands win over England in the Nations League.
He said: ‘When I go see an amateur club on Sunday I can find 3 players who can play like him. I mean that.
‘I think he goes home everyday and says to his wife: “I am so sh** but they keep paying me well. They really believe I’m good.”’
Van der Vaart went on to say three years later: ‘Look I saw Maguire at the Nations League and I just thought he was bad. A few days later he got sold for about €90M which I believed was ridiculous.
‘I said this on SkySports, after that they never invited me again and I got the entire England after me.’
Van de Vaart caused uproar in 2019 when he slammed England defender Harry Maguire
Despite Van der Vaart’s criticism, England motivation will be to reach a second consecutive European Championship final on Wednesday night.
The Three Lions head into the semi-final clash as favourites but will be aware of the threat Ronald Koeman’s men pose.