In a twist of fate, 23-year-old Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee has received a late call-up to the Dutch national team for the European Championship, rounding out the squad to the full 26-player roster. Zirkzee, who has been on Manchester United’s radar, was enjoying a vacation in Miami when he got the call from coach Ronald Koeman. His impressive season with Bologna, where he scored 11 goals, has not gone unnoticed, with AC Milan and Juventus also reportedly vying for his signature. The Netherlands, seeking to repeat their 1988 triumph, will commence their Euro 2024 campaign against Poland in Hamburg, followed by encounters with France and Austria. Koeman’s decision to include Zirkzee follows a spate of injuries afflicting the squad, with key players like Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners forced to withdraw. The inclusion of Zirkzee, who was trained in Bayern Munich’s youth academy before making a name for himself in Italy, adds depth to the Dutch forward line as they brace for a challenging group stage. Zirkzee’s potential debut on the international stage comes amid a transfer saga that could see his value soar if he performs well in the tournament, with Arsenal also expressed interest in the young striker. The Dutch team is now complete and ready to take on their rivals, with Koeman having navigated the pre-tournament injury crisis to assemble a competitive squad.
Key points
- Joshua Zirkzee called up to the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024 as a late addition.
- Zirkzee’s inclusion follows injuries to key Dutch players, including Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners.
- The striker’s impressive season with Bologna has attracted interest from top clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal.
- The Netherlands are set to face Poland, France, and Austria in the Euro 2024 group stages.
