Anders Juncker, the national team coach, announced his selection for the exhibition matches with Zambia (Thursday 6 October) and Norway (Tuesday 11 October). Notable absentees from the Dutch national team are Lake Martins and Stephanie van der Graggt.

Dominic Janssen and Shanice van de Sanden were not called up this time either. Juncker: “After a good consultation with the players and their clubs, we have decided not to call up these four this time.” Meryl van Dongen, Jill Bijings and goalkeeper Jacintha Weimar will return to the selection.

Juncker basically wants to work on the style of play in the two training games which is why the other players get a chance to show themselves. Martins was already critical this summer about the busy schedule players will have to deal with in 2022.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker believes that more comfort should be added to the season.

The two training matches herald the start of preparations for the 2023 World Cup. The Netherlands qualified for the world championships in Australia and New Zealand more than three weeks ago under the new national coach with a 1-0 victory over Iceland.

The World Cup draw will take place on Saturday 22 October in Auckland, New Zealand.