Predicting the Netherlands' Starting XI for the European Championships

Having not seen the Netherlands at a major international tournament since the 2014 World Cup, they will make their long-awaited return at the Euros in 2020...or 2021...no one is quite sure yet. 

There is much hope that they could make a run towards the final stages of the tournament, considering that they are in a group with Austria, Ukraine, and one of the victorious playoff team (either Romania, Georgia, Belarus or Kosovo). With Austria likely to be their toughest competition in the group, the Dutch will likely progress to the knock-out stages, where they'll be confident of progressing further.

With that in mind, here's how they could lineup at the Euros.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Jasper Cillessen (GK) - Despite having Jaume Doménech to fight off for Valencia, Cillessen has little competition for country. He has been a regular fixture for the Oranje since 2014 and will be key for Ronald Koeman's side.

Denzel Dumfires (RB) - With it looking increasingly unlikely that Joël Veltman will recover from injury in time, the attacking-minded Dumfries should take up the right-back slot. The PSV defender made his debut against Germany in the qualifiers and has scored seven goals this season in the Eredivisie.

Virgil van Dijk (CB) - One of the best defenders in the world, skipper van Dijk will be key for the Oranje if they are to go far in the tournament. A calming presence at the back, the Liverpool centre-back is the first name on the team sheet.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) - He's only 20 years old but de Ligt is already regarded a key man for the Netherlands. With over 20 caps to his name already, he will be a mainstay of the Dutch team for years to come, and has already formed a superb partnership with van Dijk.

Daley Blind (LB) - The most experienced man in the team with 69 caps, Blind will be a solid option for Koeman to rely on. A regular at Ajax, the former Manchester United defender made a name for himself at the 2014 World Cup and will hope to have a similar impact this summer.

Midfielders

Marten de Roon (CM) - He was named in Koeman's first Dutch squad and has been regularly called up since. Ex-Middlesborough midfielder De Roon has been ever-present in Atalanta's fantastic Serie A season and will add defensive stability in midfield, allowing his more attack-minded teammates to flourish.

Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) - Wijnaldum was the top-scorer for the Oranje in qualifying, having scored eight goals in the qualification campaign. The Liverpool midfielder takes on more attacking responsibility with his country and will be depended upon for goals at the tournament. 

Frenkie de Jong (CM) - A creator in midfield with a superb passing ability, De Jong will be responsible for dictating the tempo and possession for his team. Only 22 years old, the Barcelona playmaker will be another key player for the Netherlands for years to come.

Forwards

Quincy Promes (RW) - The top-scorer for Ajax in the Eredivisie this season, Promes will be a key player for the Oranje at the Euros. 

Luuk de Jong (ST) - With Memphis Depay tearing his ACL and ruled out long-term, De Jong will likely be chosen to replace the Lyon star up front. Despite not having a prolific season for Sevilla, the striker, once on-loan at Newcastle, will provide an aerial presence to bully opposing defenders.

Ryan Babel (LW) - Yes, you that name correctly. The 33-year-old Babel was a regular for Koeman in the qualification campaign and has played nine games for Ajax since joining them on a loan deal from Galatasaray. His work-rate and speed could make him an unlikely hero for the Netherlands.