The Liverpool defender will wear the armband for the Dutch at Euro 2024 and is happy to take the responsibility of policing the dressing room.

Speaking to UEFA's website, Van Dijk said: "As captain, I am also the extension of the coach. I know that's my role, and I'm happy about it, and it suits me. As captain, you know that all eyes are on you, but I have got used to that, and it's something I enjoy."

He continued: "I observe a lot. I naturally look at how everyone behaves, and if someone is in a difficult phase or has lower confidence, you try to act on that too. Ultimately, it's about everyone being involved as a group, and the success we achieve is a collective one, with no one left behind or feeling excluded.

"Everything we achieve positively, we do together - the 11 players on the field, but also the rest of the guys and the staff. Everyone is involved, from the equipment managers to the chefs and the players on the bench."

The Netherlands have been pitched against France in Group D at the tournament in Germany and Van Dijk is expecting a fascinating match between the two powerhouse nations on June 21.

The centre-back said: "France are always tough. They obviously have the individual quality to punish you immediately if you make just one mistake. But we also know that if we are 100 per cent and defend and attack well as a team, we can also make it difficult for France.

"And anything can happen, especially in a major tournament."