Newcastle United midfielder Sean Steur is set for a high-stakes clash this evening as the Netherlands under-21s look to avoid missing out on next summer's European Championships.
The Jong Oranje head into tonight's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in third place in their qualifying group. They need to win to have any chance of reaching the finals in Serbia and Albania.
Play-off hopes depend on Israel result
Even if Michael Reiziger's side win at De Graafschap's Stadion De Vijverberg, they will rely on Israel not bettering their result at home to group leaders Norway. Israel sit a point ahead in second place and hold a better head-to-head record. Norway have already qualified.
The Netherlands have a rich history in the under-21 European Championships, winning it in successive years in 2006 and 2007. They reached the semi-finals in 2025 when Reiziger's side were beaten by eventual winners England.
Steur's impressive start
Steur made his under-21s debut as a substitute in last Friday's 0-0 draw with Norway. He impressed on his first start on Friday as the Netherlands beat Slovenia 4-2 to keep alive their qualification hopes. After a positive start to life at Newcastle since his move from Ajax, it would be a surprise if he is not handed a start this evening.
Reiziger, who is coming under pressure ahead of the game, admits they will only have themselves to blame if they do not book their place in the play-offs. "The only thing we can do is win this match," Reiziger told ESPN. "But if we are playing so well and the game is decided, then I would like a heads-up. You are the dominant side in every match, but you don't have first place. That is strange, of course."
Reiziger praises Steur
Speaking about Steur earlier in the international break, Reiziger told VI.nl: "Sean joined Ajax's first team last year and did well there, but it was often alternating between playing one game and sitting on the bench. And now Sean continues to develop at Newcastle as well, which is great to see."
"He is simply a good footballer. And the minutes he can get there, he just needs to extend them; that will make him even stronger. But the fact that he is already playing so much at the highest level in the best league in the world, at a club that is highly regarded there too: I think that is very impressive for his age."
"Sean is a player you don't see very often. He reads the game, has drive, is calm on the ball, and can really take control of the game. I saw that last year at Ajax as well, that he already wanted to position players, because he knows: if you stand there, I will become free in another spot. You can already see him orchestrating that, and I find that very beautiful to see."
Should the Netherlands secure second place, they will face another second-placed nation in a two-legged play-off tie in the November international break for a place in next summer's finals.
