Dutch media say Netherlands ‘squandered’ Euro 2025 chances

The early elimination for the Netherlands from Euro 2025 has triggered a storm of criticism in the Dutch media, much of it aimed at the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB).

The KNVB has come under fire from fans and the media after the Oranje women’s disappointing early exit from Euro 2025.

Their crushing 5-2 loss to France, which saw the team squander a 2-1 halftime lead, exposed significant problems in the squad’s performance and the Netherlands’ handling of the campaign.

Before the tournament, manager Andries Jonker claimed that the Netherlands’ Euro 2025 squad might be their best yet.

But the loss to France came after another heavy 4-0 loss to England.

Dutch media have questioned whether the KNVB’s off-field decisions contributed to the unravelling on the pitch.

What has been said about the Netherlands’ Euro 2025 exit? 

Dutch analysts Lieke Martens and Leonne Stentler criticised the KNVB for announcing they won’t be renewing head coach Andries Jonker’s contract at the start of the year.

Stentler, speaking on Dutch broadcaster NOS said as per Get Dutch Football News: “It was actually going really well. You shouldn’t have communicated this way about his departure a few months before the European Championship.

“That sabotaged his chances and those of the team, and that’s a crying shame.”

Stentler continued: “A good coach (Jonker) comes along, you approach a tournament with (Vivianne) Miedema and (Victoria) Pelova returning, and you make that decision.

“You can do that in different ways, but not like this. They deliberately squandered their chances. That’s how I see it, and I think it’s a real shame.”

Martens also expressed disapproval of the timing, saying it was “very surprising”.

What went wrong for the Netherlands?

Critics point to a growing sense of instability surrounding the team in the run-up to and during the tournament.

The federation’s decision to announce that head coach Andries Jonker’s contract would not be renewed before a ball was even kicked is seen as a key miscalculation that undermines the squad’s confidence.

Their early elimination has sent shockwaves through Dutch football circles with the media raising questions about communication and decision-making at the highest levels.

The Netherlands’ group-stage performance saw them finish third in Group D, suffering two heavy defeats, a 5-2 loss to France and a 4-0 defeat to England.

Despite leading France 2-1 at half-time, the Dutch collapsed in the second half, conceding four goals in just over 20 minutes.

Many observers believe the KNVB’s pre-tournament announcement contributed to an unstable environment around the squad.

With Jonker essentially a lame-duck coach, questions loomed over his authority and influence. Dutch media suggested that the players felt uncertain about the direction of the team and that this lack of clarity contributed to poor on-field decision-making.

Reports also pointed to discontent within the squad. Damaris Egurrola publicly voiced frustration over her limited playing time, saying she felt “at a disadvantage” when asked to play outside her natural position.

Danielle van de Donk was also reportedly upset at being dropped for the England match without a clear explanation. 

Who will replace Andries Joncker as Netherlands manager?

The KNVB has already lined up Jonker’s replacement.

Arjan Veurink, currently the assistant coach to Sarina Wiegman with the England women’s national team, will return to Dutch football as head coach.

Veurink, who previously worked with the Dutch national setup under Wiegman during their successful Euro 2017 campaign, is seen as a strong candidate to lead the next generation.

His appointment has been met with cautious optimism in the media, with many hoping he can restore a sense of stability, identity, and competitiveness.

Several players know him well from his earlier tenure, and his close ties to Wiegman’s philosophy–one built on structure, clarity, and trust could be exactly what the Oranje women need after such a turbulent tournament.

The Netherlands’ early exit from Euro 2025 has been a wake-up call for Dutch football. With Veurink stepping in, the focus now shifts to rebuilding.