Sky Sports journalists are currently deliberating over the ideal starting lineup for England’s Euro 2024 semi-final, advocating for a switch back to a four-man defense while discussing the possibility of omitting Harry Kane and considering Luke Shaw’s return. For live coverage of the Netherlands vs. England match, visit the Sky Sports website and App. The game kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday.
Sam Blitz believes that Shaw has the potential to restore England’s equilibrium
England’s trial with a three-man defensive setup was strategically intriguing; however, familiar challenges persisted for the majority of the match Bóng đá lu. Eventually, they reverted to a refined version of their original game plan .Amidst the tumultuous Switzerland quarter-final, one overlooked advantage was Luke Shaw’s 45-minute appearance. It’s now imperative to include him in the starting lineup, anticipating he can manage at least an hour against the Netherlands.
This adjustment would address a significant imbalance in England’s team setup. Moving Phil Foden into his preferred central position would be facilitated, while Luke Shaw could naturally provide width and attacking options from the flank.
Ezri Konsa’s omission is unfortunate considering his composed and solid performance against Switzerland. However, it’s important to acknowledge Marc Guehi’s impressive form before his suspension. With the rest of the team settled, England now arguably field their strongest lineup of the tournament so far.
Ben Grounds highlights the potential importance of Konsa’s physical presence
Let’s face it straight on. England have only shown their top form when things have been chaotic. The way they line up on paper doesn’t seem to matter much because once the game kicks off, all plans seem to go out the window.
They’ve shown their best football and looked most dangerous when they’ve embraced chaotic play. Personally, I don’t mind it because the current structure doesn’t seem to be effective anyway.
Personally, I would opt to attack them with Luke Shaw and Phil Foden starting on the left flank. This setup could easily transition into a three-at-the-back formation, utilizing Shaw and Bukayo Saka as wing-backs depending on how the game unfolds.
Ezri Konsa’s standout performance against Switzerland makes it difficult to drop him, even with Marc Guehi returning from suspension. His physical presence and ability in aerial duels, especially at set pieces, could be crucial against the Dutch.
Zinny Boswell points out that Kane is far from his peak form
Ollie Watkins hasn’t seen much action in Euro 2024 yet, but it would be wise to introduce someone who can stretch the Dutch defense and open up space for Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham. They’ve been restricted by Kane dropping deep thus far.
Ollie Watkins hasn’t seen much action in Euro 2024 yet, but it would be wise to introduce someone who can stretch the Dutch defense and open up space for Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham. They’ve been restricted by Kane dropping deep thus far.
Ivan Toney should be reserved as a finisher and designated penalty taker, roles he has solidified over the past two matches.
Playing with a three-man defense provided better equilibrium and placed Foden in his optimal positions to excel. The lessons learned from Saturday’s match will ideally propel England forward for Wednesday’s game. Moreover, it presents an opportunity to adjust tactics mid-game.
Luke Shaw replaces Kieran Trippier, who faced challenges in attacking from the left flank. We require crosses to be delivered for Watkins, and Shaw can naturally supply them from his preferred side.
Ezri Konsa makes way for Marc Guehi through circumstances beyond his control. The Crystal Palace defender has shone brightly for England in this tournament and merits a return to the starting eleven following the completion of his suspension.
Peter Smith believes Palmer has the potential to provide the spark that England has been missing.
England’s overall performance at this Euros has been underwhelming, making even slight improvements in the first half against Switzerland appear significant. However, persisting with the back-three formation against the Netherlands, who employ a 4-2-3-1 setup, would be a mistake. The team’s loss of momentum, defensive retreat, and the consequent opening goal conceded to Switzerland in the second half illustrate this risk. A comparable approach would be perilous against a more formidable Dutch side.
Instead, switching to a back four is recommended, with crucial adjustments in the full-back roles. Trent Alexander-Arnold will take up the right-back position to challenge Cody Gakpo defensively and pose an offensive threat. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw’s fitness is confirmed, offering much-needed attacking potency from the left flank. In midfield Thập Cẩm TV, Cole Palmer is poised to inject the spark that Phil Foden has struggled to deliver.
Dan Long advocates for retaining the three-man backline
England’s alteration in formation for the quarter-final against Switzerland didn’t quite bring about the sweeping improvement many had anticipated – but surely, there’s room for improvement from here on out, isn’t there?
Luke Shaw’s second-half appearance, after recovering from injury just in time, restored equilibrium to the team. I would start him in that position, even if he can’t play the entire match in Dortmund. Ezri Konsa put in a remarkable performance recently and retains his spot in defense, much to Marc Guehi’s disappointment.
Surely, I’m not alone in wanting to witness more attacking prowess from Phil Foden, who has only managed to create six chances throughout the entire tournament so far.
As for Harry Kane, he appeared fatigued and lacking energy on Saturday – yet it’s difficult to imagine Gareth Southgate not starting his talisman. In a perfect scenario, Ivan Toney would begin the match, but I would be satisfied to see him brought on earlier. His exceptional penalty skills aside, Toney’s aerial ability could prove pivotal on both attack and defense.
David Richardson advises against altering a successful lineup
England showed significant improvement against Switzerland from a very low starting point, so Gareth Southgate should maintain faith in the same team.
Ezri Konsa’s faultless performance warrants a starting role, which poses a tough decision for Marc Guehi. However, maintaining continuity in the back three is crucial.
Southgate needs to be bold with his substitutions to bring the game to the Netherlands, ensuring Luke Shaw plays a crucial role in the second half. He shouldn’t hesitate to substitute key players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden if necessary.
England’s front three struggled in the quarter-final – Ivan Toney and Cole Palmer should be prepared to make a substantial impact when given the opportunity.
Oliver Yew believes Watkins’ speed can stretch the game for England
Despite showing some improvements against Switzerland, England still faced many of the same issues. Nonetheless, they demonstrated resilience and character, and now they have another opportunity to elevate their performance against the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
The pressing question: what’s going on with Harry Kane? He doesn’t seem completely fit to me. Normally, he’s always in the right spots around the penalty area, but in this tournament, he’s looked noticeably sluggish. His display against Switzerland was reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s performance for Portugal against France. England, like Portugal, require greater impact from their center forward.
Choosing to keep the captain and England’s mainstay on the bench isn’t a decision Gareth Southgate will make lightly. However, Ollie Watkins’ speed and dynamism could provide a significant boost to England, particularly against formidable defenders like Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij. His presence would stretch the game and create more opportunities for Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka to excel. Ivan Toney’s omission from the starting lineup is unfortunate, but his expertise in penalty situations should be preserved for potential shootouts.
The only additional adjustment would be replacing Kieran Trippier with Luke Shaw. England still require stability on the left, and Shaw’s performance against Switzerland was a significant positive. It’s now opportune for him to start, potentially benefiting England. Ezri Konsa showcased his abilities against Switzerland and retains his spot, leaving Marc Guehi out of luck despite returning from suspension.
Charlotte Marsh believes Trent can bring a new dimension to England’s offensive play
While many of my colleagues are likely sticking with a back three, I am opting to switch back to a four, despite Gareth Southgate’s probable preference
Trent Alexander-Arnold should start on the right to enhance England’s attacking prowess. Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier have shown inconsistency at times. If fit, Luke Shaw would be a solid choice for the left-back position.
Marc Guehi will return to the squad alongside John Stones, a decision that may seem unfair to the impressive Ezri Konsa
It’s disappointing that Cole Palmer hasn’t been given a start yet, especially considering England’s need for creativity and directness in their forward play. The same applies to Anthony Gordon. I believe either of them should be considered to replace Phil Foden in the lineup.
While Harry Kane is always anticipated to start, substituting him with Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins, or pairing them alongside him, could greatly benefit England. The captain has been grappling with form following a demanding season
Joe Shread believes it’s time to unleash Toney
Harry Kane has been a mere shadow of his usual self at Euro 2024. Typically deeply involved in the build-up play, Kane has only completed 17 passes in his last 240 minutes on the field. Known for his goal-scoring appetite, he has been noticeably absent when crosses are delivered into the opponent’s penalty area.
It’s time to grant Ivan Toney his inaugural start in Germany. The striker has displayed flashes of his talent and seems to be in better physical condition than Kane, having rested during the first half of the season
Additionally, Luke Shaw, who demonstrated his fitness against Switzerland, should be in the starting lineup against the Netherlands. His presence at left-back can offer the width that Kieran Trippier has struggled to provide, thus creating space for Phil Foden to move inside
Consequently, Jude Bellingham should transition into midfield, addressing the issue of overlapping roles with Foden. It’s important to recall that Bellingham spent most of his career, including the 2022 World Cup, as a No. 8. This adjustment would enable him to excel in carrying the ball from deeper positions, a notable strength of his, and fortify England’s midfield where vulnerabilities have been evident