Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen must target Manchester City duo Kyle Walker and John Stones if the Netherlands end up in a penalty shootout against England this evening.
That’s according to goalkeeper Tim Krul, who has urged the Brighton man to target the weaker penalty takers in the England squad and named the Manchester City duo in particular.
The Netherlands take on England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 this evening after seeing off Türkiye in an enthralling encounter in the quarterfinals.
Verbruggen played a large part in that success, making several important saves to help Ronald Koeman’s side progress.
England’s route to the semi-finals was more dramatic, with them requiring a late goal from Bukayo Saka to equalise in normal time before then winning in the penalty shootout.
The Three Lions converted all five of their spot kicks in impressive fashion while the Swiss were unable to convert theirs, with Jordan Pickford saving Manuel Akanji’s penalty, the first of the evening, to put Gareth Southgate’s side on course to victory.
It meant the Manchester City defender was the unfortunate loser of the evening, and Krul believes Verbruggen should be targeting another two City defenders if the Brighton man is needed for penalty shootout heroics this evening.
“England took five fantastic penalties against Switzerland,” Voetbal Primeur report him saying to Algemeen Dagblad.
“Phil Foden, Ivan Toney and Harry Kane are real specialists. You can only hope that with those boys they hit the ball a little less well. You have to focus on the less experienced takers, such as John Stones or Kyle Walker. It is a semi-final of a European Championship. That brings tension.
“He (Verbruggen) is already a fantastic goalkeeper, I’m sure he will be fine. But in any case, make sure you stand on the line like an animal. And don’t forget: the pressure is on the taker. I’m looking forward to the match, although I hope not it goes to penalties.”
