Sneijder backs fringe players to contribute

Wesley Sneijder believes Rafael van der Vaart, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Dirk Kuyt will all feature for the Netherlands at Euro 2012.

The attacking trio have struggled for game time during the Netherlands’ pre-tournament preparations, leading to suggestions they will be on the periphery at the UEFA showcase in Poland and Ukraine.

However, Inter Milan playmaker Sneijder, who scored in Saturday’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Northern Ireland, insists all of his international team-mates are invaluable to the nation’s chances of success.

“We are good friends,” he said after the game at Amsterdam Arena.

“Of course we talk a lot with each other. The tournament will be long, so there are chances for all the players.

“We need everyone if we want to win the European Championship. Rafael (van der Vaart) knows what his qualities are, and so do we.

“Kuyt and Huntelaar will both get their chances and then they will be there to improve.”

Netherlands begin their push for European success against Group B rivals Denmark on June 9.