Toot! That's the sound of referee Olga Zadinova's whistle. If I know the rules - and I know a few of them - that indicates the start of the match. England opting for a three-woman defence. Here we go. 

The last notes of God Save the Queen have just finished ringing out around Koning Willem II Stadion. There are plenty of empty seats to be seen, but those who are set for the night are creating an impressive din. 

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Sue Smith
Former England forward on BBC Red Button

It is a game that England need to play. It is a chance to test out different systems and formations, these are the games that you can test these things out. The gap is narrowing as other teams get better and more money comes into the sport. There are no real runaway teams.

As we've just mentioned, England are unbeaten in nine matches and a lot has happened since England's women last lost a football match - which was a 2-1 defeat by European champions Germany in March, being as you're asking. 

Briton Tim Peake has safely returned from space, the world's tiger population has increased, Leicester City won the Premier League... other things happened too, of course, in 2016 but let's not talk about that. 

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England welcome Mark Sampson back to the dugout as the England manager returns from paternity leave having celebrated the birth of his first child, a baby girl, two weeks ago. 

What better way to toast the new arrival than extending an unbeaten run to 10 games? The perfect 10 for the new dad. 

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If these words do not suffice, worry not because there are other ways to keep up to date with what is happening in this match - mainly by watching it on BBC Sport Red Button via this page. Moving pictures, live commentary, will shortly commence so treat yourself and tune in. 

Let us know your views on tonight's friendly against the Dutch, or on head coach Mark Sampson's decision to omit Eni Aluko - the top-scoring England player in the FA Women’s Super League - from the squad. We're happy to discuss anything. 

Send your thoughts on Twitter using the hashtag #bbcfootball, external or text in on 81111 (UK only). Remember to put names on texts.  

The line ups have been revealed so first thing's first - England's team. 

The visitors make two changes to the team which beat Spain in October, with Toni Duggan and Isobel Christiansen coming into a settled side which contains seven Manchester City players. 

Appropriately enough for this chilly November day, this international is a warm-up for the grand matches which lie ahead for both countries in 2017. A final friendly of the year with an eye on the future. 

Netherlands are the hosts for next year's Euro 2017 and tonight's venue, The Koning Willem II Stadion, will host England for their final Euro 2017 group match with Portugal next summer. Everyone has something to gain.  

"That familiarisation will be so important," says England assistant Marieanne Spacey. "Even down to the logistical things such as finding out the distance from the hotel to the ground."

Logistics sorted, now it's down to the nitty-gritty on the pitch. 

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The year is coming to an end and soon we'll be devouring mince pies and Christmas puddings, and excitedly waiting for Old Saint Nick to clamber into chimneys. But before the festivities truly begin, there is just enough time to squeeze in one final international friendly. Hurrah! 

Anyone for Netherlands Women versus England Women? Good. Let's begin. 

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