Gunners take aim at each other

The Netherlands meet England for a UEFA European Under-17 Championship semi-final place later today - and for four of the players involved there is an extra incentive to succeed.

Arsenal quartet
Among England's 18-man squad are three Arsenal FC players; striker Rhys Murphy, who scored in the 1-1 Group B draw with Belgium on Friday, midfielder Henri Lansbury and defender Gavin Hoyte. In orange will be another Gunner, winger Nacer Barazite who like Murphy also registered against the hosts.

Banter
This match-up has been long anticipated. "Before we went we were talking about it, and made jokes about it - whoever wins can make the jokes and for the others, it is a pity," Barazite told uefa.com, while Murphy added: "There was a bit before we came out, a bit of friendly banter. Nothing too much - we'll all be friends again!"

Good friends
The England striker, who missed the opening 2-0 win against Iceland through suspension but returned to head a goal on Matchday 2 is delighted to be at the finals with Barazite. Murphy said: "I get on with him very well at the club and speak to him here as well. He is a very good player, very skilful. It is nice to be here with him but obviously I'd like to beat him - no hard feelings obviously, we'll be friends after the game."

Impressive trio
Barazite, whose English experience at youth and reserve level since joining Arsenal from NEC Nijmegen's famous academy last summer means he is familiar with all of his opponents today, returns the compliment to his club-mates. "Rhys has played with the Under-18s a lot and scored in every game. Sometimes I play against Lansbury in training, he is a defensive midfielder, very good in defence and attack. Gavin Hoyte, younger brother of Justin, his pace is his best strength, not all defenders have pace like him. Sometimes we say to him 'Hey, Justin', and we joke about it. He likes it I think!"

Merida ability
There is a fifth Arsenal man in Belgium over in Group A, Spain playmaker Fran Mérida who has also scored in this tournament and looks likely to take part in the latter stages. Murphy said: "Hopefully, he won't do too well against us if we face him! But it is nice to see everyone's doing well." Barazite added: "Merida is very talented technically, has good insight, and has a good personality - a very good player."

Van Persie help
Since moving to London a year ago, Barazite has settled quickly at Arsenal. And he has received a lot of help from fellow Dutchman Robin van Persie. "At the start I spoke a lot with Robin, about life, about football, what I can do differently, and what the lifestyle was," Barazite said. "He is a very good player, almost the same position as me as well as Dutch. A great help for me." Barazite has quickly adapted to the faster and more physical English game. Whether that experience will return to haunt his club-mates well become clear in Tubize this afternoon.