National coach Arjan Veurink already chose Janssen as captain during his debut against Poland last month. He then emphasized that he needed more time to make a final choice. He made this in the run-up to the friendly matches against Portugal on Friday and against South Korea on Tuesday, the KNVB reports.
Veurink needs more time to choose a second and third captain, he indicated during an online press conference. He expects to do that early next year. Then the first qualifying matches for the 2027 World Cup are on the program.
Janssen is “very proud” of her new role. “I had a very nice conversation with the trainer in which the decision was announced. Then I was asked if I wanted it and the answer was quickly yes. I feel a lot of appreciation from Arjan, this is a very nice moment for me.”
Striker Miedema also misses the football players’ practice match with Portugal
The Dutch football players will also have to make do without striker Vivianne Miedema in Friday’s practice match against Portugal. The all-time top scorer of the Dutch national team is still suffering from complaints that she suffered from her club Manchester City’s match with Nottingham Forest last weekend. National coach Arjan Veurink said this during an online press conference.
With Miedema’s withdrawal, the entire vanguard of the recent international matches against Poland (0-0) and Canada (1-0 win) is unavailable. Previously, Esmee Brugts, Lineth Beerensteyn and Jill Roord, among others, had already withdrawn.
According to Veurink, it is clear that “a different Dutch team” will be on display against South Korea on Friday in Braga, Portugal and on Tuesday in Waalwijk. He will use the practice matches to see many new players at work.