Luke Shaw to start on bench in England’s Euro 2024 semi-final with Netherlands as Southgate to make just one change
LUKE SHAW is set to be on the bench for England’s Euro semi-final against Holland.
The Manchester United left-back was hoping for his first start of the tournament after an impressive quarter-final cameo against Switzerland.
But Gareth Southgate will keep faith with Kieran Trippier as he prepares to make just one change.
The Newcastle right-back has spent the tournament playing on the opposite flank.
As a result, Trippier has struggled to get forward in support of Man City’s Phil Foden.
And Shaw’s impact against the Swiss, as well as his declaration of fitness yesterday, suggested he was in line to regain his spot.
However, it’s believed Southgate has doubts over Shaw’s ability to last 90 minutes.
He is also a fervent believer in Trippier’s defensive qualities and believes the Toon ace will be needed against the Netherland’s pacy right side.
Southgate plans on making just one change to the team that overcame Switzerland on penalties.
Ezri Konsa is set to drop out despite impressing in a back three.
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And he will be replaced by Marc Guehi, who is available following a one-match suspension.
But it remains to be seen if Southgate keeps faith with his five-man defence after going like-for-like against the Swiss.
The Dutch play with a back four and England could revert to the 4-2-3-1 shape they used for the first four games of the Euros.
However, the back five brought the best out of stars like Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.
And it could yet be the best way for Harry Kane to regain his form after struggling in the quarters.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ preparations were hit by major travel chaos on Tuesday.
Ronald Koeman was forced to cancel his press conference after a rail-line blockage forced the Dutch to fly from Wolfsburg to Dortmund.
It means they only arrived in the city less than 24 hours before kick-off against England, which could give the Three Lions an advantage.
