Netherlands boss Bert van Marwijk has announced his final squad for the European Championship by leaving four players out of the provisional 23-man squad.

Ajax duo Vurnon Anita and Siem de Jong was left out, just like PSV Eindhoven forward Jeremain Lens and Dutch Young Player of the Year Adam Maher.

“I have taken time to talk with the omitted players and explain why,” Bert van Marwijk said. “They deserved that after their good work. They can leave the training camp with their heads held high.”

The former Feyenoord boss surprisingly opted for 18-year-old Jetro Willems and midfielder Stijn Schaars for the problematic left-back position, although the youngster’s impressive display against Bulgaria proved that Van Marwijk had made the right choice.

Uncapped winger Luciano Narcingh and Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay, who missed big part of the season through injury, are seen as surprise inclusions.

Following the unexpected home defeat to Bulgaria, Oranje play Slovakia on 30th May and Republic of Ireland on 2nd June in their final two warm-up games.

In spite of some under-par showings of late, Netherlands remain one of the main candidates for the Euro 2012 title, and they are 8.00 (7/1) with Bodog to triumph in Poland and Ukraine.

Netherlands Squad

Goalkeepers: Tim Krul (Newcastle United FC), Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma), Michel Vorm (Swansea City AFC).

Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (VfB Stuttgart), Wilfred Bouma (PSV Eindhoven), John Heitinga (Everton FC), Joris Mathijsen (Málaga CF), Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (AFC Ajax), Jetro Willems (PSV Eindhoven).

Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (AC Milan), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City FC), Stijn Schaars (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Wesley Sneijder (FC Internazionale Milano), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Rafael van der Vaart (Tottenham Hotspur FC), Ibrahim Afellay (FC Barcelona).

Forwards: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04), Luuk de Jong (FC Twente), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC), Luciano Narsingh (sc Heerenveen), Robin van Persie (Arsenal FC), Arjen Robben (FC Bayern München).