Euro 2020: The Dutch to stay largely unchanged in push to improve

On the eve of the Group C match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, he confirmed there would be a double change but did not say who, telling a news conference the priority was an improvement.

"We need Memphis to be achieving if we want to go far in this tournament. We have a lot of confidence in him and he in himself. He doesn't get too flustered and that's why he's such a special player for us," said De Boer when quizzed about the Netherlands forward.

Netherlands coach Frank de Boer will make only two changes to his starting lineup for Monday's last Euro 2020 group game against North Macedonia to improve performance even though his side is guaranteed top spot.

As the Dutch won their first two and North Macedonia is already out, the game is a dead rubber so there was speculation De Boer may rest regulars and give fringe players a run out.

On the eve of the Group C match at the Johan Cruyff Arena, he confirmed there would be a double change but did not say who, telling a news conference the priority was an improvement.

READ: EURO 2020: Double Dutch dilemma for De Boer, while North Macedonia looks for winning exit

His team let a two-goal lead slip against Ukraine before sneaking victory and also looked lethargic at times in the win over Austria.

"Everything can be better. We could have done better in possession against Austria. In the front, the tuning can also be sharper. Those kind of things we can work on (against North Macedonia)," he said.

Same system 

De Boer confirmed he would stay with the new 5-3-2 tactics, having successfully employed three centre backs and two wing backs to good effect in the Netherlands' opening two encounters.

"The system remains the same, because we've had good passages of play, but we can still improve," he said.

"We have enough time to rest after the match before our last 16 match (next Sunday) to be at full strength. Otherwise, the rest period will be very long," he said.

READ: New Euro 2020 star Dumfries feels there is room for improvement

De Boer expressed relief that lead attacker Memphis Depay has settled his future by signing with Barcelona on Saturday.

"I think it's a relief for him too. Now it's behind us. It can sit subconsciously in your head and, who knows, this could just be the extra push he needs to excel," he said.

"We need Memphis to be achieving if we want to go far in this tournament. We have a lot of confidence in him and he in himself. He doesn't get too flustered and that's why he's such a special player for us."