Dutch fans descend on Dortmund ahead of semi-final - but Southgate backs England fans to make themselves heard
Around 100,000 Netherlands supporters are expected to be in Dortmund ahead of the Euro 2024 game against England.
Wednesday 10 July 2024 12:46, UK
They may be outnumbered on the streets of Dortmund today but Gareth Southgate is sure England fans will still make themselves heard.
Around 100,000 Dutch fans are expected to descend on the city for tonight's Euros semi-final match against England.
And while the majority of them won't have a ticket, it means there will certainly be a sea of orange shirts alongside the Three Lions supporters' white and red in the hours before kick-off at 8pm.
"One of the great things about this tournament has been the atmosphere inside the stadiums," Southgate said when asked about the prospect of being outnumbered by Dutch supporters.
"It has been a different feeling for our players compared to the last three tournaments. It's added a different feel to the games, a different intensity. Our fans will make themselves heard, I'm sure."
On the clash with the Netherlands, Southgate said he has vivid memories from his playing days.
"These are the matches we want to play in. You live for these tournaments, that's where you step up."
England fan James, who made the trip from London to watch Harry Kane and co, said he's hoping for an improvement in the Three Lions' performance.
"England firing on all cylinders can take on the best," he told Sky News.
"It's not been great but we've got the job done... I'm hoping we can fulfil our potential."
On the legions of Netherlands fans around him, he added: "Everyone's been getting on the whole time we've been out here, it's a good atmosphere.
"We're in a sea of orange at the moment but the England boys I'm sure will be out later."
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England face a tough task tonight against a talented Netherlands side coached by former Southampton, Everton and Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman.
But Southgate's penalty saving hero Jordan Pickford says he loves the pressure of playing in semi-finals.
"I thrive off it and that is just my mentality towards it," he said. "People might be a bit nervous but nerves are also a good thing.
"Every individual person is different but for me, the pressure of a semi-final - you want to be in the final - so I thrive under the pressure to make sure we get to the final."