With just over two weeks until the start of the UEFA Women’s European Championships in Holland, Arsenal midfielder Danielle van de Donk has answered questions regarding both club and country.

On recent experiences at club level, she revealed her happiness with the current situation at Arsenal.

I am proud that I can wear the shirt of Arsenal,” she said.

“The facilities are top [quality] and we are really part of the club. Arsenal women’s football is really embraced and England of course, breathes football. With three other players, there is a big input into the national squad.

Goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal, defender Dominique Janssen and talented young prospect Vivianne Miedema are the three other Dutch players set to be involved in this month’s tournament.

Van de Donk has played all eight of Arsenal’s competitive fixtures since the start of 2017 and is one of only five who can say that within the squad. Having signed a contract extension last October, it’s clear that she has impressed since her arrival two seasons ago and there is a genuine chance that she’ll continue to establish herself as a mainstay for years to come.

As for the Netherlands, they’ll be quietly confident that they can improve upon a disappointing Euro 2013 campaign – where they suffered narrow 1-0 defeats at the hands of both Norway and Iceland in Group B before crashing out with a solitary point from their three group fixtures.

They are the competition’s hosts this time around and will be keen to earn some silverware in familiar surroundings.

 

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BREDA, NETHERLANDS – JUNE 09: Danielle van de Donk of Netherlands heads the ball during the Women’s International Friendly match between Netherlands and Japan at Rat Verlegh Stadion on June 9, 2017 in Breda, Netherlands. (Photo by Lukas Schulze/Getty Images)

On their preparations for the tournament she said, “We are already taking steps to work everyday and grow together as a group.

It is indescribable that our games have already been sold out and it’s going to be very cool. It is difficult to estimate what we can achieve, but our first goal is to get through the group stage. Then, we’ll see.

Netherlands are in Group A alongside Belgium, Denmark and Norway. Their first fixture is against the Norwegians on July 16, with a 5pm (BST) kick-off scheduled.