Republic of Ireland to face Netherlands in final Euro 2016 warm-up

The Republic were placed against Belgium, Sweden and Italy in Group E, prompting manager Martin O’Neill to quip “I thought I was coming here to enjoy the draw and I’m not so sure that is the case any more”.

Holland – who could include Saints trio Jordy Clasie, Virgil van Dijk and Maarten Stekelenburg – are ranked 14th in the world but failed to qualify for Euro 2016 after finishing fourth in their group behind the Czech Republic, Iceland and Turkey.

“I was twice involved when we lost important matches against Italy”, said Loew.

While the Netherlands missed out on a place at Euro 2016, they are considered strong competition for Ireland, having won the 1988 European Championships and finished as runners-up in three World Cup tournaments.

Hamren talked up the two star-studded countries, admitting Sweden and Ireland are the group underdogs, but insisted he’s relishing the chance to upset the odds, and is targeting victory over the Irish to gain crucial momentum.

Ireland qualified for Euro 2016 after winning a two-leg play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“They have made tremendous progress over the last five or six years and played two big qualifying matches against us”, said Loew, adding that Bayern Munich’s Poland striker Robert Lewandowski is their biggest threat.

“We must improve 100 percent compared to our qualifying campaign, but if we are well prepared then we will be amongst the favourites”.