England go head-to-head with Denmark in the semi-finals of Euro 2020 on Wednesday night – and the referee for the fixture is known for brandishing a card or two.
Dutch referee Danny Makkelie will be the man in charge as the Three Lions host the Danes on home soil in a mouthwatering match-up that will have the entire nation captivated.
Makkelie, who has officiated 180 games in the Dutch Eredivisie since his debut in 2009, will be able to lean on a wealth of experience – and players will not want to get on the wrong side of him.
The Dutch official has been in charge of three games at this summer’s tournament so far, including the Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Germany in the round of 16.
There were five yellow cards shown at Wembley that evening, with Harry Maguire, Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice all cautioned, with Germany’s Robin Gosens and Matthias Ginter also entering the book.
Makkelie was also in charge of Italy’s tournament-opening victory over Turkey, which saw just two yellow cards, as well as Russia’s win over Finland, which saw five yellow cards handed out.
Dutch officials Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Bries will serve as his assistant referees, while Pol van Boekel is the video assistant referee.
The fourth official is Ovidiu Hategan from Romania, while Dutch official Kevin Blom will act as one of three assistant video assistant referees alongside Germany’s Christian Gittelmann and Poland’s Pawel Gil.
The winners of the game will face Italy in the coveted final on Sunday after the Azzuri edged past Spain on penalties on Tuesday evening. Could it really be coming home this year? We think so.
