England v Netherlands: Predicted Three Lions XI for semi-final

England will aim to reach a second successive European Championship final when they face The Netherlands on Wednesday. 

Gareth Southgate’s side reached the semi-finals with a penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland on Saturday, marking the third time that the ex-Middlesbrough boss has reached the last four of a major tournament since taking charge of the Three Lions.

Despite sealing their place in the semis, England have been far from impressive at the tournament in Germany so far, and the Dutch will fancy their chances of knocking Southgate’s side out.

Here, we predict the XI that Southgate could select for the crucial tie.

Goalkeeper

Everton’s Jordan Pickford was once again the hero for England last time out, saving Manuel Akanji’s penalty to help the Three Lions to victory. Pickford has played every major tournament match for England since the start of the 2018 World Cup, and he will likely once again play a crucial part on Wednesday.

Defenders

Southgate reverted to a back three against Switzerland, and he will likely continue with a 3-4-2-1 against the Dutch on Wednesday.

Ezri Konsa impressed in the absence of the suspended Marc Guehi last time out, but the Crystal Palace man is now available again and is set to return on the left of the back line.

Guehi was suspended for the win over Switzerland but is set to return against The Netherlands

In the centre, John Stones is set to start, alongside Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker, who moved from right-back to centre-back last time out.

Konsa will be joined by fellow centre-backs Lewis Dunk and Joe Gomez on the bench.

Midfielders

Southgate was largely praised for switching to a back three with wing-backs last time out in Dusseldorf, and Bukayo Saka was arguably the Three Lions’ most impressive performer during the game. The Arsenal man was deployed as a right wing-back, and it was his late goal that saved England from a quarter-final exit and instead sent the match to extra-time.

Saka scored England’s equaliser against Switzerland

In the middle of the park, Declan Rice will most likely be partnered once again by Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old has impressed since making his first start of the tournament against Slovakia in the last 16.

On the left, Luke Shaw could be in line for his first start of the tournament, having made his return from injury as a late substitute last time out. The Man United man provided some much needed width on the left and, as the only natural left-back in Southgate’s squad, will almost certainly start on Wednesday.

Forwards

Southgate’s switch to a back three in turn allowed both Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to be deployed centrally, behind the striker. Previously, Bellingham had played in the centre while Manchester City star Foden was utilised on the left flank, where he was largely ineffective. Southgate is likely to continue with the same formation, and the pair will therefore almost certainly start in the same roles as last time.

Kane has scored twice at the tournament so far

Spearheading the attack will be England captain Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich star has endured a tough tournament so far, scoring just twice, and was criticised for his performance against Switzerland. Ivan Toney has looked impressive when given opportunities, but the Brentford man will once again have to settle for a place on the bench and hope to be given a chance as a substitute.

Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Rice, Mainoo, Shaw; Bellingham, Kane, Foden