Sunday, December 22, 2024

Revealed: England and Netherlands’ expected XIs for Euros semi-final

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Gareth Southgate is expected to make one change to his starting line-up as England face the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final on Wednesday evening.

The Three Lions’ boss has a full squad to select from with all 26 players having trained on Tuesday.

According sources close to the camp, Southgate is expected to stick with the system England used during their quarter-final win over Switzerland.

England operated with a hybrid formation, switching between a back three and four during the match.

Centre back Marc Guehi is available again for selection after serving a one-match suspension for the quarter-final.

Gareth Southgate is set to make one change to his starting line-up as England face the Netherlands
Marc Guehi, centre, is expected to be recalled into the defence in place of Ezri Konsa
Kieran Trippier is set to retain his place on the left flank ahead of Luke Shaw on Wednesday

The Crystal Palace defender is expected to be recalled to the starting line-up this evening.

Guehi is due to be recalled in place of Ezri Konsa, despite the Aston Villa star having deputised impressively against the Swiss.

Southgate has been faced with a major decision on the left flank, after Luke Shaw declared himself to be fit to start.

The Manchester United defender has battled for fitness since joining up with Southgate‘s side, after being chosen to join the squad despite having failed to play a minute for his club or country since February.

Shaw began training with the squad after previously completing an individual programme last week, and took to the pitch for the first time during England’s quarter-final against Switzerland. 

Coming on as a 78th-minute substitute, Shaw saw out the extra-time and penalties and was in high spirits about the prospect of making the starting XI on Wednesday evening two days earlier. 

Shaw, however, is expected to start the semi-final on the bench with Kieran Trippier likely to retain his place on the left.

England captain Harry Kane will continue up front, despite concerns over his form and fitness.

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Kane was substituted during extra-time of Saturday’s quarter-final after appearing to land awkwardly on a cool box having been pushed out of play.

Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman is expected to stick with his tried and tested side against the Three Lions.

His established defence of Denzel Dumfries, Stefan de Vrij, captain Vigil van Dijk and Nathan Ake will again protect goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen’s goal.

Jerdy Schouten and Tijani Reijenders will line-up in central midfield with Xaxi Simons and Cody Gakpo expected to support Memphis Depay in attack.

Koeman could decide make one switch, with Donyell Malen and Wout Weghorst pushing to start ahead of Steven Bergwijn.

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