Nathan Ake says Netherlands is "very close" to achieving its dream ahead of its Euro 2024 semi-final with England. 

Netherlands had to come from behind to beat Turkiye 2-1 thanks to a header from Stefan de Vrij and Mert Muldur's own goal in Berlin.

That triumph set up a semi-final clash with England in Dortmund next Thursday. 

Ake is relishing the opportunity of facing several of his Manchester City team-mates, saying the Oranje are within touching distance of securing a first major international honour since 1988. 

"I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot of players I know from the Premier League," Ake said. "We know their individual qualities and it’s a semi-final so it will be tough. We’re building momentum.

"We came through tough stages at the start of the tournament and now we’ve got through another test so I think we’re ready for it.

"Underdog or not - it doesn’t matter. We focus on ourselves. We know what we need to do. We are very close now."

Netherlands, much like England, has been subject to criticism for its performances at the tournament so far. 

Ronaldo Koeman's side progressed to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, having taken four points from Group D fixtures. 

Netherlands eased past Romania in the last 16 with arguably its best performance of the tournament, before showing its powers of recovery against Turkiye. 

"You can play good football but still go out," Cody Gakpo, joint-top scorer at the tournament, said. "Obviously I think everyone knows each country can play a little bit better but if you win, that's all that matters."