---
source: thedugout.football
generated: 2026-10-23T16:43:02.559Z
data_provider: API-Football
canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/newcastle-united/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2hyb25pY2xlbGl2ZS5jby51ay9zcG9ydC9mb290YmFsbC9mb290YmFsbC1uZXdzL3NlYW4tc3RldXItc2V0LWhpZ2gtc3Rha2VzLTM0NzIxODM1
---

# Sean Steur in high stakes clash as Netherlands look to avoid Israel humiliation

- **Source:** 
- **Club:** Newcastle United
- **Original URL:** https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sean-steur-set-high-stakes-34721835

The Jong Oranje head into tonight's clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina in third place in their qualifying group and needing to win to have any chance of qualifying for next summer's European Championships in Serbia and Albania.

And even if Michael Reiziger's side win at De Graafschap's Stadion De Vijverberg they will be relying on Israel, who are a point ahead of them in second place in the group and have a better head-to-head record, not bettering their result at home to group leaders Norway - who have already qualified - in order to book a place in the play-offs.

Netherlands have a rich history in the under-21 European Championships, winning it in successive years in 2006 and 2007, and they reached the semi-finals of the competition in 2025 when Reiziger's side were beaten by eventual winners England.

Get Chronicle Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive news and features, our NUFC and Academy notebooks, plus an ad-lite experience

But they are facing up to a major humiliation for a talented squad,that also includes the likes of AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit, if they fail to book their place in next summer's competition, albeit their poor start to their qualifying group predated Steur's involvement.

Steur made his under-21s debut as a substitute in last Friday's 0-0 draw with Norway before impressing on his first start on Friday as Netherlands beat Slovenia 4-2 to keep alive their hopes of qualification. After a positive start to life at Newcastle since his move from Ajax, too, it would be a surprise if he is not handed a start in this evening's crunch clash, too.

And 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 this evening.

"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."

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 play-off against another second placed nation in a two-legged play-off tie in the November international break for a place in next summer's finals.