5 things spotted as all 26 England players train before Netherlands showdown
Gareth Southgate was able to get a look at all 26 of the players in his squad ahead of England’s crunch Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands on Wednesday
After a dramatic penalty shoot-out win in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, England are looking to keep their dreams of glory alive against the Netherlands.
Gareth Southgate’s team have been solid defensively while underwhelming further forward, scoring just five times in their five Euros games so far. There have been calls for the manager to shuffle his pack, though it remains to be seen whether he will stick or twist.
Ronald Koeman’s Oranje overcame Turkey in their quarter-final to set up a meeting with England in Dortmund. They have a number of players with Premier League experience, including Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk, and Southgate will need to decide whether to stick with his tried and trusted players or spring a surprise.
England’s full squad trained on the eve of what will be their third semi-final appearance in four major tournaments and a chance to reach the country’s first men’s final on foreign soil. All 26 members of Gareth Southgate’s squad trained on Tuesday lunchtime ahead of making the trip from their Blankenhain base, and Mirror Football has picked out a few points of interest from the session.
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1. Guehi strapped up
Marc Guehi was suspended against Switzerland so was unable to play. However, the Crystal Palace defender has also been suffering with the shoulder injury he picked up against Slovakia.
Who should start for England against the Netherlands? Have your say in the comments section
Marc Guehi in England training (
Image:
Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
And while he is back in tracking, there appears to be enough concern regarding the injury. Guehi was spotted with some shoulder strapping on during England’s latest session.
Given he trained – and there has been no suggestion that he could miss the game – Guehi appears likely to be fit. But it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn that medical staff have been keeping a close eye on him.
2. Unused players all smiles
There have been calls for Gareth Southgate to make better use of his squad, but those not involved so far still seem very much part of the group. Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk are among those forced to watch on from the sidelines, but we saw them getting down to business in Blankenhain.
Joe Gomez with Harry Kane in England training (
Image:
Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
Backup goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was spotted celebrating wildly with Bukayo Saka as England squeezed past Switzerland. There appears to be a togetherness in the group, regardless of whether any members of the squad have private frustrations about their lack of minutes.
As Ivan Toney showed in the knockout games, you never know when your opportunity will come. It’s all about being prepated, and these sessions are opportunities to show that’s the case.
3. Kane fit and ready
Harry Kane was substituted late on against Switzerland, meaning he was unavailable to take a penalty in the shoot-out. However, he played down suggestions the issue which forced him off might also keep him out on Wednesday.
Harry Kane alongside England boss Gareth Southgate (
Image:
Getty Images)
“I’m good,” Kane told BBC Sport after the weekend victory. “I had double cramp in my calf. Penalties, it is like for like because Ivan [Toney] is incredible. I will be fine.”
Kane was spotted exchanging words with Gareth Southgate during the session as the pair attempt to figure out what’s needed to progress on Wednesday. Only time will tell whether they have the winning formula.
4. Shaw closing in on start
Luke Shaw in a training drill with his England team-mates (
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)DON’T MISS
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw appears to have suffered no ill effects of his brief cameo against Switzerland. The left-back came off the bench to make his first appearance of the tournament.
The 28-year-old played just over 40 minutes for the Three Lions. He was pictured taking part in the latest training session so appears well over his injury issues.
It will certainly be a relief to Southgate, who could be tempted to hand Shaw his first start of the tournament. England’s left side has looked slightly off-colour during the Euros and the Man United star could potentially be the remedy that they’re looking for.
5. Toney all eyes on goal
Ivan Toney is pushing for a start against the Netherlands (
Image:
Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
One man who could potentially have done enough to force himself into contention is Brentford frontman Ivan Toney. Introduced for Harry Kane, he certainly made an impression against Switzerland – not to mention his fearless, no-look penalty.
Social media have had their fun with Toney and his talents, while the FA’s media team have done the same. But it was down to business in training.
The striker was as determined as ever – while he also scored a stunning goal in training on the volley from Pickford’s pass. One of those against the Netherlands and it would certainly be hard to ignore his shout for a start.
