Courtesy of steady performances at Ajax, Bogarde was summoned to UEFA Euro 1996 by Netherlands manager Guus Hiddink, who also included him in the squad for the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
Bogarde had the chance to feature in his first start at a World Cup match against Brazil in the semifinals, after starter Numan was suspended in the previous encounter against Argentina, but he sustained a serious shin injury during training and was hospitalised,[REF] being replaced by Philip Cocu.