Gareth Southgate will retain faith in Kieran Trippier by snubbing Luke Shaw when England face the Netherlands in Wednesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final, according to reports. Shaw is in contention after returning to action against Switzerland, but Southgate is set to stick with Trippier on the left of his defence.
The Manchester United left-back was included in the England squad for this summer’s tournament despite not featuring since February due to a hamstring injury.
He was ruled out of all three group games and against Slovakia in the round of 16 but emerged in the 78th minute of Saturday’s quarter-final triumph over Switzerland.
Shaw took to the pitch in Dusseldorf moments after Breel Embolo poked Switzerland into the lead in the 75th minute.
Just two minutes later, Bukayo Saka forced extra time with a stunning equaliser, and the Three Lions later sealed progression in a penalty shoot-out.
The 28-year-old wasn’t among those to step up for England’s five perfect penalties but he didn’t look off the pace, sparking hope he would be ready to start against the Netherlands.
However, Southgate looks primed to stick to his guns and hope that the players who have carried England to the semi-finals can do the business again at the Westfalenstadion.
According to Sky Sports, Shaw is expected to remain on the bench, with Trippier keeping his spot as the left-wing-back in the 3-4-2-1 formation used against Switzerland.
Southgate is said to consider Trippier’s defensive ability crucial to England’s chances and harbours doubts over whether Shaw – the only natural left-back in his squad – can manage 90 minutes.
It wouldn’t be a shock to see a largely unchanged team from that which produced a marginally improved performance against the Swiss.
Jordan Pickford will start again after etching his name further into English football folklore by saving Manuel Akanji’s decisive spot-kick last time out.
Saka was last utilised as a right-wing-back and should remain in that role, with Marc Guehi likely replacing Ezri Konsa – who deputised well – after a one-game ban to partner Kyle Walker and John Stones.
Kobbie Mainoo has established himself as Declan Rice’s midfield partner over the course of the tournament, fending off competition from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher.
Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden were both operating in central areas behind Harry Kane against Switzerland, and Southgate is expected to stick with that attempt to get the best out of both.
If England can navigate past the Netherlands, who have beaten Romania and Turkiye in the knockout stages, 100 per cent Spain would represent a daunting task in the final.
