Netherlands v England - Preview and possible line-ups

Thomas Davidson 7 years ago 1.6k
With Harry Kane out injured, Jamie Vardy is likely to lead the line for England. AFP

Friday's clash sees England travel to Amsterdam to kick-off their World Cup preparations. We take a look ahead to see how Gareth Southgate's and Ronald Koeman's sides might fare in this friendly fixture.

The Netherlands

Having failed to qualify for the World Cup, this will be simply a training match for the Dutch - providing new boss Ronald Koeman with the perfect no-pressure scenario to take revenge on the English. Recently axed by Everton, the gaffer will have to go without the veterans Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder who both announced international retirement when they found out Russia was off the cards. 

England

Brave in his squad selection, Gareth Southgate has an array of newbies to pick from for this clash. Without golden boy Harry Kane, however, it's going to be tough for the Three Lions whose last two fixtures have finished goalless. Expect the shooting boots to be passed onto in-form Marcus Rashford and notorious party-thrower Jamie Vardy. Nevertheless, the big question remains: Who will Southgate put between the sticks?

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman:

Talking on his intention to nurture Lyon forward Memphis Depay's talent, the Dutchman said: "It takes two. I will [work hard], but he must also join me in that effort."

England head coach Gareth Southgate:

Southgate bizarrely banned all Starbucks products from England's training ground St. George's Park this week, following in Fabio Capello's footsteps who prohibited chips and tomato ketchup back in 2010. 

Did you know?

Look away now England fans... Harry Kane is the only Three Lions man to have found the net in the last four international matches. 

Possible line-ups:

Netherlands: Cillessen; Fosu-Mensah, Van Dijk, De Ligt, Ake; Propper, Strootman, Wijnaldum; Depay, Babel, Promes. 

England: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Young; Dier, Henderson; Sterling, Alli, Rashford; Vardy. 

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