Dutch referee Danny Makkelie is set to take charge of England’s Euro semi-final clash with Denmark on Wednesday night.
Makkelie, 38, was praised for his handling of the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory over Germany in the last-16 – and will be back at Wembley as Gareth Southgate’s men look to reach the final.
It is unusual for an official to be appointed for two games involving the same country.
But his Dutch colleague Bas Nijhuis took to social media on Sunday night to reveal Makkelia has been appointed by UEFA for England’s semi-final.
And Nijhuis also claimed that another Dutchman – Bjorn Kuipers – has been told he will officiate at Sunday’s final.
The post was quickly deleted – but sources in Holland understand that Nijhuis has given the game away.
(Image: Getty Images)
UEFA will confirm which officials will be involved in the semi-finals on Monday.
Italy face Spain at Wembley on Tuesday night, with England meeting the Danes the following evening.
Makkelie, who still works as a policeman in Holland despite becoming one of FIFA’s top whistleblowers, is appearing at his first major tournament.
He was given the honour of taking charge of the opening game between Italy and Turkey in Rome.
Makkelie also refereed the tie between Russia and Finland.
But England’s meeting with Denmark will be the biggest occasion of his career so far.
Makkelie is one of the world’s most experienced officials when it comes to the use of VAR.
Holland was one of the first countries to adopt the technology.
And his expertise saw him named as one of the VAR officials for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Kuipers is regarded as his nation’s top referee.
But the 48-year-old is expected to retire at the end of the tournament – and Makkelie will take over the mantle.
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Kuipers has enjoyed an 18-year career at club level and has been on the FIFA list since 2006.
He was in charge of England’s 2014 World Cup defeat to Italy in Brazil.
He took charge of that year’s Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid as well as two Europa League Finals.
It is understood that German referee Felix Brych will be the man in the middle when Italy face Spain after impressing during England’s 4-0 quarter-final romp over Ukraine in Rome on Saturday.
