New player getting back into the game in need of advice.

I loved Age of Empires as a kid, along with Age of Mythology, Rise of Nations, Empire Earth, and Command & Conquer.

But I always played the same in these games. I was 7-11 when I played these games, so I didn't have but really 1 other person to play some of the games with. So I usually just played against bots on easy, and I would turtle to get the best and coolest units.

So when I started playing strategy and RTS games with humans, I would normally get stomped, or with a stroke of luck win with cheese strats.

I am definitely best with maintaining my economy and base.

I would say I am weakest with fighting and military composition.

I know basic stuff, like pikemen are good at countering mounted units. Siege equipment is for destroying buildings and mobs of enemies. Skirmishers are good against infantry. Musketeers are balanced I think? Ok for both infantry and horses.

But I don't know how best to put it into practice.

My main civs are the Dutch, English, and Spanish.

Any and all advice and tips is welcome!