They would possibly be outnumbered on the streets of Dortmund today, but Gareth Southgate is sure that England enthusiasts will continue to make their voices heard.
Around 100,000 Dutch fans are expected to flock to the city for the Euro semi-final match against England tonight.
And while most of them may not have tickets, it means there will be a sea of orange T-shirts along with the white and red ones of Three Lions fans in the hours before the 8pm kick-off.
“One of the wonderful things about this tournament has been the atmosphere in the stadiums,” Southgate said when asked about the prospect of being outnumbered by Dutch fans.
“It’s been another feeling for our players in the last three tournaments. It has added another feeling to the games, another intensity. Our enthusiasts will be heard, I’m sure. “
Regarding the clash against the Netherlands, Southgate said that he has good memories of his years.
“These are the games we have to play. In those tournaments, this is where you excel. “
England fan James, who came from London to watch Harry Kane and his colleagues, said he was hopeful of an improvement in the Three Lions’ performance.
“England, who are firing on all cylinders, can take on the best,” he told Sky News.
“It wasn’t great, we did the job. . . I hope we can reach our potential. “
Of the legions of Dutch enthusiasts around him, he added: “Everyone gets along well since we’ve been here, there’s an intelligent atmosphere.
“We’re in an orange sea at the moment, but the England guys will come out later. “
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England face a task tonight against a talented Dutch team coached by former Southampton, Everton and Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman.
But Jordan Pickford, Southgate’s penalty-saving hero, says he likes the tension in a semi-final.
“I’m thriving there and that’s my mentality,” he said. “People may be a little nervous, but nervousness is also a smart thing.
“Every user is different, but for me, the predetermination of a semi-last – being on the latter – so I thrive under the predetermination to make sure we get to the last. “