Memphis Depay playing for the NEtherlands
Memphis Depay has started every game for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 (Photo: Getty)

The Netherlands play England in the Euro 2024 semi-finals, and former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen wants to see Ronald Koeman make a radical change for the game.

Unlike Gareth Southgate, Koeman has tinkered with his side throughout the tournament, though a few players have retained their place in the starting XI.

This includes centre-forward Memphis Depay, though he has failed to set the pitch alight in Germany, recording just one goal and an assist in the first five games.

The 30-year-old, who spent an ill-fated 18 months at Old Trafford but has since done well at Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, has lead the line for the Dutch for many years now, scoring an impressive 46 goals in 97 caps to date.

But for the huge clash against the Three Lions, Meulensteen believes Depay should be dropped in favour of another forward with links to United.

‘I like Joshua Zirkzee. He’s young, a good height, tall, mobile, a good season at Bologna last year,’ the Dutchman told Free Bets.

‘I’m not Ronald Koeman, but if I was, I’d start him against England rather than Depay.

Joshua Zirkzee of Netherlands seen inaction during the
Joshua Zirkzee made his international debut as a late sub in the quarter-finals (Photo: Getty)

‘He’ll cause many more problems, he’s much more of a striker in front to tie the centre backs up, rather than Depay who drops deep. It leaves centre-backs of the opposition with nothing to worry about.

‘Zirkzee, he’s young but creates that level of unpredictability. He’s technically a very good player.’

Meulensteen’s comments come with Zirkzee on the verge of leaving Bologna for United after the Premier League club agreed to pay his €40million (£33.7m) release clause.

The 23-year-old scored 12 goals and made seven assists in 37 appearances last season to help the Serie A side qualify for the Champions League.

But while a hugely talented player, throwing him into the starting XI against England would be incredibly risky given that he only made his senior international debut last Saturday in the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Turkey.

He came off the bench in the 87th minute, at the same time that Depay was subbed off after assisting Stefan de Vrij’s equaliser.

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