Netherlands travel to Dortmund for Euros semi-final disrupted

DORTMUND, Germany :The Netherlands had their travel to Dortmund on Tuesday for the European Championship semi-final against England disrupted and were forced to abandon their plans to travel by train, the Dutch FA (KNVB) said.

They will now fly to Dortmund from their base in Wolfsburg later on Tuesday.

"The train service was cancelled due to a blockage on the route," the KNVB said.

They planned to travel at 1600 local time but will now fly to Dortmund, where they will stay overnight before the game on Wednesday, at 2020.

It meant the pre-match press conference with coach Ronald Koeman was cancelled. Instead an interview with Koeman about the game will be distributed later on Tuesday by UEFA.

The Dutch had not planned a training session at the stadium, having completed their preparations in Wolfsburg earlier on Tuesday.

Teams are entitled to a training session at the venue on the eve of the match but do not always take up the option.

England's manager Gareth Southgate said he did not expect it would affect their opponents.

"I don't see that having any impact on the game. We don't play till nine o'clock tomorrow, so there's plenty of time. I'm sure they'll still get their dinner."

The Dutch had previously travelled by train to their group stage match against Austria in Berlin.

The rail system in Germany, usually held up as model of efficiency, has been criticised during the Euros for delays.

When the Dutch went to Berlin by train they were forced to take a flight back to Wolfsburg because of a limited service.