Gareth Southgate will continue with the same system he used against Switzerland when England take on Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final tonight.
The Three Lions are one win away from reaching the final in Berlin following their dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland on Saturday evening.
For that game, Southgate switched to a back three formation for the first time in a competitive game since the Euro 2020 final against Italy.
Bukayo Saka and Kieran Trippier were deployed in wing-back roles on the right and left respectively, with the Arsenal star turning in an excellent performance, getting on the score sheet and converting his spot kick in the shootout.
The performance against Switzerland, while unspectacular, was an improvement on England’s group stage showings and their underwhelming display in the last 16 against Slovakia.
While Southgate is set to keep with the same system, he has a dilemma at the back with Marc Guehi available again.
The Crystal Palace star missed the Switzerland game after picking up a one-match suspension. Ezri Konsa replaced him that day, joining John Stones and Kyle Walker in a back three. The Aston Villa star stepped in without missing a beat, turning in an impressive performance in what was a demanding duel all evening against Breel Embolo.
But Guehi is expected to reclaim his place in the team, having been one of his country’s best performers out in Germany over the last three weeks.
Luke Shaw meanwhile insisted this week he is ready to start a game when he addressed the media this week.
Prior to Sunday, the Manchester United star had not played any football since February due to a hamstring injury, getting his first minutes of the competition as a second-half substitute against the Swiss.
Expected England XI to face Netherlands
Shaw came on after 78 minutes, playing the remainder of the 90 and half an hour of added time having replaced Trippier who has started all five England games.
Shaw is the only recognised left-back in the squad and offers the natural with on the left England have sorely lacked so far in Germany.
But his lack of game time remains a concern with Sky Sports reporting Trippier is set to retain his place at left wing-back – at least from the start.
Kobbie Mainoo meanwhile will feel he has done enough to keep his place in midfield alongside Declan Rice with Phil Foden also likely to keep his place.
Harry Kane was subbed off in extra-time on Saturday after a heavy landing on the touchline. His skipper remains under plenty of scrutiny but will start against the Dutch.
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