
'We Couldn’t Overpower Them': Reiziger Lauds England Midfield After Semi-Final Exit
2025-06-26
Author: Nur
A Tough Battle in Bratislava
In a gripping clash at the Under-21 European Championships in Bratislava, Netherlands manager Michael Reiziger expressed admiration for England's midfield, which thwarted his team's efforts to seize control during their semi-final match. England triumphed 2-1, with young star Harvey Elliott shining brightly, netting both goals that sent the Dutch packing.
Reiziger’s Respect for England’s Strategy
Reiziger emphasized how England’s midfielders, adept at fluid movement, made it nearly impossible for his side to implement their game plan. "We lost this game because we couldn't establish our rhythm. Their midfield's ability to interchange positions disrupted our attempts to press effectively," he explained.
Despite struggling initially, Reiziger noted that his team improved in the second half. "We gained more possession and started to find our footing, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide."
The Challenge of Pressing
The former Ajax star indicated that his forwards failed to put enough pressure on England’s backline, complicating the midfield battle. "We were unable to disrupt their play effectively in the final third, allowing them to maneuver freely. It’s a substantial challenge when you let them dictate the game."
Defensive Adjustments and Struggles
Dealing with key suspensions, Reiziger had to reshuffle his defense, placing Neraysho Kasanwirjo at right-back. Unfortunately, Kasanwirjo struggled to contain England's Omari Hutchinson, leading to a halftime switch that saw Wouter Goes take on the challenge instead. "I needed someone who could hold their ground against the left winger," he said.
Analyzing the Defeats
Both of England's goals stemmed from critical Dutch blunders. Reiziger reflected on their inability to win important duels, stating, "If you lose those battles, it opens the door for the opponent to progress. Such small errors—in moments when we needed to be assertive—ultimately cost us the match."
A Journey Worth Remembering
Despite the disappointment of a semi-final exit, Reiziger refused to label the tournament a failure. With aspirations to win the Euros for the first time since 2007 unfulfilled, he maintained, "We didn’t achieve our goal of winning, but we didn’t fail either. We fought hard and can hold our heads high."
Reiziger remarked on the team's journey, noting, "We started with high hopes, faced struggles, but managed to regroup and make a deep run in the tournament. The players have every reason to be proud. After two years, it’s tough to see it end."
A Legacy of Togetherness
In his closing remarks, Reiziger expressed a desire for this team to be remembered for their unity and collective spirit. "I hope people acknowledge the effort we put in as a group, merging players from different clubs into one cohesive unit. That’s the legacy I hope this team leaves behind."