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England hotshot Taylor can hush hosts Holland

Improving Danes may put their experience to good use

Jodie Taylor celebrates her treble against Scotland
Jodie Taylor celebrates her treble against ScotlandCredit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos

Holland v England
Eurosport 1 & Channel 4, 7.45pm Thursday

After their first competitive victory over France since 1974, thanks to a goal from Jodie Taylor, England will face Holland in their bid to reach the final of the Euros.

They will have to knock out the host nation in order to do so and the Lionesses have form in this department, having beaten Canada 2-1 in the quarter-finals when they hosted the 2015 World Cup.

Mark Sampson's side have performed impressively this year, proving that they are more than capable of using a gameplan to beat their opponents.

Sampson's tactics were employed to great effect against Spain and France at this tournament.

They are without the suspended Jill Scott but that should prove no problem as Jordan Nobbs will switch into her preferred position of central midfielder where she can pull the strings for England.

Karen Bardsley is also out injured, having broken her leg against France, but the goalkeeping department has two outstanding deputies in Siobhan Chamberlain and Carly Telford with the former looking most likely to start between the sticks.

Taylor may have entered international football late but she has made up for lost time with aplomb and is more than capable of continuing her hot run of form with the first goal.

Eight years ago these two sides met when England edged the match 2-1 thanks to a goal from Scott in extra-time and in their most recent clash Sampson's side won 1-0.

There is no doubt the hosts will be up for the game and even though they have threats including Shanice van de Sanden, punters can expect yet another resilient display from the Lionesses.

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2pts each-way 7-1 Paddy Power


Denmark v Austria
Eurosport 1 & Channel 4, 5pm Thursday

The first semi-final between Denmark and Austria is an intriguing match in many ways.

Denmark provided the shock of the Euros when they came from a goal down to knock out seven-time champions Germany while Austria, in their first major finals, have surprised many with the way they have taken to tournament football.

Denmark may just edge this contest. They look the stronger side in terms of previous experience in a major tournament but given the way Austria have performed they could get on the scoresheet too.

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Zoe VicarageRacing Post Reporter

Published on 2 August 2017inFootball tips

Last updated 18:44, 2 August 2017

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