Kieran Trippier set to keep starting place for Euro 2024 semi-final showdown with the Dutch in Dortmund; Luke Shaw expected to be named on bench; Follow Netherlands vs England live on Sky Sports' digital platforms on Wednesday; kick-off 8pm
Wednesday 10 July 2024 18:53, UK
Luke Shaw is expected to start on the bench for England's Euro 2024 semi-final against Netherlands, with Kieran Trippier in line to keep his place in the starting XI.
Some fans and pundits had called for Shaw to be thrown in from the start at left wing-back after he made an impressive impact as a late substitute in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out win over Switzerland.
Shaw is the only naturally left-footed defender in England's squad, but various setbacks in his recovery from a muscle injury have delayed his involvement.
Sky Sports News has been told Southgate has concerns over whether Shaw could last the full 90 minutes, having played 42 minutes in the previous round, and with his only competitive involvement almost five months before that, back in mid-February.
It is also thought that the England manager believes Trippier's defensive prowess could be vital against Netherlands' attacking options - especially the pacey Denzel Dumfries, who tends to take up the position of an extra winger on the right side when the Dutch have the ball.
Southgate also spoke glowingly of the role Trippier has played for his country in numerous big matches in major tournaments.
In his pre-match news conference, Southgate said: "He (Shaw) gives us balance. But Kieran Trippier has done a fantastic job.
"He's played in so many important nights for us over the last seven or eight years. But also around the squad and how he is. We're very fortunate to have him."
In his latest Sky Sports column, Paul Merson says he would be shocked if England failed to beat Netherlands in Wednesday's Euro 2024 semi-final - but Harry Kane must start up top.
Read on for the Magic Man's thoughts on the "crazy" calls to leave captain Kane on the bench, his starting XI to face Netherlands and Gareth Southgate's harshest critics...
"Absolutely no chance Kane doesn't start. The man is world class. He hasn't got going yet but in big games you want your big players on the pitch.
"He hasn't been provided with much service, he hasn't had loads of crosses or chances. He's one of the best centre-forwards in world football, so you get him on the pitch and you keep him on the pitch.
"Drop him at your peril. When people start talking about Kane being dropped, it's crazy talk.
"I don't see the Dutch beating us, I'd be more shocked if they beat us than if Switzerland had - England haven't got out of third gear." Read more here.
German referee Felix Zwayer will take charge of England's Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday - and he has history with Jude Bellingham. Find out why here.
England suffered one of their most controversial defeats after Netherlands' Ronald Koeman fouled David Platt in World Cup 1994 qualifying.
"What are they being instructed?" rages England boss Graham Taylor in footage later seen on Channel 4's documentary An Impossible Job. "What sort of thing is happening here? Absolutely disgraceful." Re-live the historic moment here.
