17.03.2023 15:00 h

Wijnaldum returns as Koeman names first Nethlerlands squad

Ronald Koeman opted to make few significant changes as he named the first squad of his second spell as Netherlands coach on Friday.

The Dutch take on France in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier next Friday in Paris before hosting Gibraltar in Rotterdam three days later.

Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is back in the international fold for the first time since suffering a broken leg in training with Roma in August.

Koeman returned as Dutch coach after Louis van Gaal's third stint as boss came to an end following the World Cup in Qatar, where the Netherlands lost to Argentina in the quarter-finals.

Koeman has recalled experienced goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen after he was left out of the World Cup squad, with Andries Noppert and Justin Bijlow both out injured.

Full-back Daley Blind is in line to win his 100th cap against France.

Netherlands squad:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (NEC Nijmegen), Mark Flekken (Freiburg/GER), Bart Verbruggen (Anderlecht/BEL)

Defenders: Nathan Ake (Manchester City/ENG), Matthijs de Ligt, Daley Blind (Bayern Munich/GER), Sven Botman (Newcastle/ENG), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool/ENG), Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan/ITA), Lutsharel Geertruida (Feyenoord), Tyrell Malacia (Manchester United/ENG), Jurrien Timber (Ajax)

Midfielders: Kenneth Taylor, Steven Berghuis, Davy Klaassen (Ajax), Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona/ESP), Marten de Roon (Atalanta/ITA), Xavi Simons (PSV Eindhoven), Mats Wieffer (Feyenoord), Georginio Wijnaldum (Roma/ITA)

Forwards: Steven Bergwijn, Brian Brobbey (Ajax), Memphis Depay (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Cody Gakpo (Liverpool/ENG), Wout Weghorst (Manchester United/ENG)