The Dutch Juniors also play a draw against Young England, with Jude Bellingham in the stands

The Dutch Juniors drew against Young England in a friendly match in Almere. In a match in which the Netherlands had a lot of the ball and also more chances, Thom van Bergen equalized shortly before the end on behalf of the Dutch Juniors: 1-1.

On Thursday, the Netherlands, which qualified for the European Championship in 2025 without losing points, did not get further than a draw in Slovakia (3-3).

At the Yanmar Stadium in Almere, many young fans were impressed by the presence of Jude Bellingham in the stands. The star of Real Madrid and the England team was an attentive spectator in Almere.

Together with his parents, he watched the achievements of his brother Jobe, who had a starting position at Jong England, and his good friend Noah Ohio. Almeerder Ohio played as a striker for the Dutch Juniors.

The Dutch Juniors were by no means at full strength against the English. Strongmen such as Youri Regeer, Kenneth Taylor, Ian Maatsen, Ruben van Bommel, Emmanuel Emegha, Antoni Milambo, Dirk Proper, Devyne Rensch and goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro were missing.

The English took the lead within five minutes. Dane Scarlett headed a cross from Samuel Iling Junior hard behind goalkeeper Robin Roefs at the near post.

After eight minutes there was a sad moment for Bjorn Meijer. Club Brugge’s left back, just recovered from a serious injury, dropped out. After a sprint, he grabbed his thigh and left the field limping. Neraysho Kasanwirjo, currently a player for Scottish Rangers, was his replacement.

The Dutch Juniors then became a bit stronger. After twenty minutes, Anass Salah-Eddine shot wide from a cross from Myron van Brederode. Just before half time, the Netherlands was again close to scoring. Captain Ryan Flamingo worked the ball towards the goal with his heel from a corner, but the acrobatic attempt went just wide.

Then it took until the 57th minute before the English goal was in danger again. A twenty-metre shot from Ezekiel Banzuzi was cleared from the goal by goalkeeper James Beadle. Then there were also opportunities for Ohio and Kasanwirjo.

Kasanwirjo, Meijer’s replacement, dropped out fifteen minutes before the end with an injury. He fell when he tried to pass the ball under his foot and had to leave the field with what appeared to be a serious injury.

Eight minutes before the end, the Dutch Juniors took advantage of an opportunity. Substitute Thom van Bergen completed a clever pass from Million Manhoef. It was the first goal in the Dutch Juniors for the FC Groningen striker.

Shortly afterwards, AZ player Denso Kasius, Kasanwirjo’s replacement, hit the post with a vicious swipe. In extra time, Tyrese Asante was close to winning for the Netherlands, but his shot flew just wide.