Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff passed away to Lung cancer at the age of 68. The game today will be stopped in the 14th minute to commemorate his contribution to the sport Getty

Euro 2016 hosts France will take on Netherlands at the Amsterdam ArenA on 25 March in the first of the two friendlies scheduled for the international break. The match will serve as a commemoration for Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, who lost his battle with lung cancer at the age of 68.

Where to Watch Live

Kick-off is set for 7.45pm GMT. Live coverage of the game will be on MUTV and MUTV HD in the UK.

Overview

The Dutch Football Association has decided to stop the game in the 14th minute in deference for Cruyff, with a minute's silence being held following the legend's demise. Cruyff led Netherlands to the World Cup final in 1974 and has played an important part for teams such as Ajax and Barcelona. The three time Ballon d'Or winner has also spent time in management and will be fondly remembered as one of the greats in the game.

Meanwhile, coming into the game, Netherlands will be looking back to the shambles they find themselves in, having failed to qualify for the European Championships following a series of underwhelming performances in the qualifiers. Manager Danny Blind will be looking to use these games as a platform to prepare for the qualifiers of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, failure to compete in which could lead to major unrest in the country.

A young side is expected to be fielded by Blind, with Rick Karsdorp, Timo Letschert and Vincent Janssen all likely to feature in the contest. The Oranje had made it into the semi-finals of the Fifa World Cup in 2014 under Louis van Gaal, but the Dutchman's decision to leave for a managerial career with Manchester United led to their downfall.

On the other hand, France will be looking to give the fringe players a chance to prove themselves and get a chance to get called up to the national team. The likes of Olivier Giroud, who has not played much in the last few games for Arsenal is expected to get the nod, while N'Golo Kante, in brilliant form for Premier League toppers Leicester City, is expected to get his debut cap.

The duo have met each other on 23 occasions, with Netherlands leading the French by 10 wins to nine. Manager Didier Deschamps will look at this as an opportunity to get his side to the echelons of Europe having last made it to the finals of an international tournament in 2006.

What managers say

Danny Blind: "[On Darryl Janmaat] It is worrying for me but especially for the guys at Newcastle United. The level (the players are playing at) is not necessarily determinative (of selection) - it is also about the individual - but it is an advantage to play in the Premier League. They also realise (this). Janmaat regretted terribly that he had to cancel (joining up with the squad). He wanted to be with Oranje (as he was) anxious to be in the spotlight for another club in case Newcastle United are actually relegated."

Didier Deschamps: "I have some convictions. I know where I want to go and who I want to go with. But there are things you don't expect, as you saw at the last World Cup. It's better to have anticipated it and to have Plan B and C, as you say. I hope nobody will have any physical problems so I'll have a huge amount of choice."

Betting odds (betfair)

  • Netherlands win: 3.7
  • Draw: 3.45
  • France win: 2.26

Team News

Netherlands

Squad: Cillessen, Vermeer, Zoet, Van Dijk, Blind, Dijks, Bruma, Letschert , Pieters, Willems, Veltman, Ron Vlaar, Afellay, Bazoer , Clasie, Klaassen, Propper, Sneijder, Wijnaldum, Depay, Huntelaar, Janssen, De Jong, Locadia, Narsingh, Promes.

France

Squad: Goalkeepers: Lloris, Mandanda, Costil, Digne, Evra, Jallet, Koscielny, Mathieu, Sagna, Sakho, Varane, Cabaye, Diarra, Kante, Matuidi, Pogba, Sissoko, Coman, Gignac, Giroud, Griezmann, Martial, Payet.