Ajax bias may backfire for Dutch: The Netherlands

1 Edwin van der Sar Ajax

First-choice goalkeeper since 1993, good in the air but sometimes loses concentration (Age 25, 6 caps).

2 Michael Reiziger Ajax

Quick, composed and tactically aware right wing-back who is on his way to Milan next season (23, 7).

3 Danny Blind Ajax

Veteran defender, suspended for opening game against Scotland. Target for Aston Villa last summer (34, 38).

4 Clarence Seedorf Sampdoria

Yet another Ajax youth product who can look after himself in even the roughest midfield battle zone (21, 10).

5 Frank de Boer Ajax

Defender who is joined in squad by twin brother. Replaced Ronald Koeman as free-kick specialist (25, 39).

6 Ronald de Boer Ajax

Frank's twin, a clever midfielder, was released by Ajax when aged 19 but returned 18 months later (25, 24).

7 Gaston Taument Feyenoord

Exciting forward who loves running at defenders, will contest flank spot with Hoekstra (25, 12).

8 Edgar Davids Ajax

Outstanding young midfielder who never stops running - will join Reiziger at Milan next season (23, 5).

9 Patrick Kluivert Ajax

Teenage wonder striker can play at Euro 96 after escaping a jail term for a dangerous driving offence (19, 6).

10 Dennis Bergkamp Arsenal

Arsenal's pounds 7.5m signing from Internazionale is the top scorer in the Dutch squad. A world-class act (25, 44).

11 Peter Hoekstra Ajax

Left winger who owes his place in the squad to Marc Overmars' injury. Debut against Germany in April (23, 2).

12 Aron Winter Internazionale

Gascoigne's former midfield partner, who has joined Inter from Lazio, is a busy and creative player (29, 53).

13 Arthur Numan PSV Eindhoven

Versatile left-sided player at home in defence or midfield. Nearly joined Manchester City in 1992 (26, 14).

14 Richard Witschge Bordeaux

Former Ajax and Barcelona midfield man who had a spell at Blackburn Rovers last year (26, 24).

15 Winston Bogarde Ajax

Powerful central defender who made a hugely assured debut in Anfield play-off against Republic of Ireland (25, 2).

16 Ed de Goey Feyenoord

Started Euro 96 qualifiers as No 1 goalkeeper but lost his place after the 3-1 defeat in the Czech Republic (29, 28).

17 Jordi Cruyff Barcelona

Son of Johan took his time to decide if he was Dutch or Spanish. Useful striker but not in his dad's class (22, 2).

18 Johan de Kock Bayern Munich

Tall, solid defender who may get a game if Hiddink feels the need for a British-style stopper (31, 7).

19 Youri Mulder Schalke 04

Tall centre-forward who may be picked if Hiddink feels the need for a Niall Quinn impersonator (27, 7).

20 Philip Cocu PSV Eindhoven

Uncapped midfielder who ran the show when his club beat Leeds in the Uefa Cup last autumn (25, 1).

21 Ruud Hesp Roda JC Kerkrade

Giant goalkeeper who was an unexpected selection as Hiddink's third choice (30, 0).

22 John Veldman Sparta Rotterdam

Another orthodox centre-half who started his career at PSV Eindhoven. Debut against Germany in April (28, 1).

The team

Some dodgy displays in the qualifiers (like losing in Belarus) meant the Dutch had to beat the Republic of Ireland in the Anfield play-off to reach finals. Will pack their side with Ajax players, some of whom look jaded after an exhausting 12 months. Without the injured Overmars, they lack quality on the flanks, and much will depend on Bergkamp's mood and form.

The coach

Guus Hiddink ended his playing career alongside George Best at San Jose Earthquakes before moving back home to begin coaching career. Took PSV Eindhoven to European Cup success in 1988, then moved on to Valencia. Replaced Dick Advocaat as national coach in 1994.

The fact file

Previous appearances in finals: 1976 (third place), 1980 (first round), 1988 (winners), 1992 (semi-finals).

Qualifying record: W6, D2, L2 (Group Five runners-up; reached finals by beating Republic of Ireland in play-off).

Top scorer in qualifiers: 4 Overmars, Seedorf.

Most appearances in qualifiers: 11 Blind.

Population 14.9m. Registered clubs 5,900. Registered players 973,000. Professional players 600.