Frustrated Miedema is happy with her role as adviser to Orange Women

At Jonker’s request, Miedema, 26, has nevertheless joined the preparation of the Dutch national team ahead of Sunday’s farewell match against Belgium (5-0). The striker had to think first if she could handle it.

“I wasn’t sure it would be good for me,” said the Arsenal player. “It’s very double. It’s nice to see the girls again, but it’s only now that you realize you’re not coming. And when I have to set my alarm clock in England at 8 a.m. to watch games, so of course it’s another blow. But yes, it’s top sport and it’s hard.”

Jonker attaches great importance to his striker’s point of view and calls on it regularly. Miedema also considers contact with the trainer to be important. “We have put a lot of things in place. Of course I have been in this team for ten years and I have a decisive role, which Andries of course joined last summer. The save of goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal the last summer and the fact that I dropped out was so I’m happy to still be able to contribute in this way.”

This mainly concerns the experience during the final tournaments. “A lot of girls haven’t played a final tournament yet. I’ve already played a lot, also with a jet lag. You can give a little advice on that. Because the jet lag will make contact with family and friends friends a little harder. And if it’s really about football, then everyone knows where to find me. I see every game.”

Miedema will not travel to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as it will prevent him from recovering from his cruciate ligament injury. “I’ve just agreed that I’ll fly over if we reach the final. So I’m definitely a bit of a success supporter,” Miedema laughs. The striker tore a cruciate ligament in December and intends to return in the fall, first to her club.