Soccer-Netherlands, Poland limp into Euro 2024

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Euro 2024 Qualifier - Group B - Republic of Ireland v Netherlands - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland - September 10, 2023 Netherlands' Matthijs de Ligt during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne/File Photo

HAMBURG, Germany (Reuters) - Stripped of their leading lights, the Netherlands and Poland limp to the start line at the European Championship on Sunday when they begin their Group D campaign in Hamburg.

The Dutch must do without playmaker Frenkie de Jong due to an ankle injury and Poland talisman Robert Lewandowski will also miss the opening game.