Former Real Madrid star and Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart has slammed England following their 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
The Netherlands took an early lead through youngster Xavi Simons, who dispossessed Declan Rice and unleashed an absolute rocket from outside the box that left Jordan Pickford no chance.
The Dutch opener appeared to be just what Gareth Southgate's men needed, as just like in the quarter-final the three lions bounced back in impressive style.
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Just 11 minutes after falling behind Harry Kane got England level via the penalty spot, following a lengthy and controversial VAR check on a late challenge from Denzel Dumfries.
Southgate's men continued to dominate the match with Ronald Koeman's men only really causing problems through set pieces, with Pickford forced into a decent second-half save by Virgil Van Dijk.
England eventually got what they deserved as super-sub Ollie Watkins fired the ball into the bottom corner with the clock at 89.59 to send England to the final.
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Following the game former Spurs man Van de Vaart was quick to dismiss England's achievement, insisting Southgate should be getting more out of his players in an X-rated rant.
"What a s*** team they are. Slowly, they didn't want to do anything anymore. They have such top players on the field," He told Dutch broadcaster NOS.
However Van der Vaart, at least admitted his nation's performances was far from perfect.
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"We didn't do much either. We had a few chances. There could have been so much more in it," he added.
It wasn't just Van der Vaart who took the defeat badly, as captain Virgil Van Dijk was quick to make his feelings clear on the referee in his post match interview.
"It says it all that the ref went in quite quickly after the game and had no time to shake his hand," Van Dijk said.
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Tom Jenkins