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Netherlands national football team
International Friendlies
Mar 23, 2018 at 7.45pm UK
 
England national football team

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Lingard (59')

Combined XI: Netherlands vs. England

Sports Mole selects a strongest combined XI from the Netherlands and England ahead of Friday night's prestige friendly in Amsterdam.

England boss Gareth Southgate gets another chance to run the rule over his players when heading to Amsterdam for a prestige friendly against the Netherlands on Friday night.

While the Three Lions' preparations for the World Cup are now in full swing, their opponents are still reeling from missing out on a second major tournament in succession.

That suggests that the conveyor belt of talent in the Oranje ranks has come to a near halt, but a look at the options available to new manager Ronald Koeman tells a different story.

With that in mind, Sports Mole looks at who would make it into a combined XI from both nations' available players.


England vs. Netherlands XI

The biggest problem Southgate faces ahead of this summer's finals is who to select between the sticks, having been left to choose between Joe Hart, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope and Jack Butland. The latter appears the most likely to be given the nod at the Amsterdam ArenA but, while Jasper Cillessen is hardly being given a chance to shine at Barcelona - one Champions League start and zero La Liga outings this term - the Stoke City stopper still has some work to do before he can be considered a serious contender in this hybrid side.

Unfortunately for the Three Lions, it is a similar story in the heart of defence as they do not boast the options of past campaigns. John Stones, Harry Maguire and Eric Dier are expected to start Friday's match in a back three, but it is debatable whether any of them boast the qualities of opposite numbers Virgil van Dijk and Stefan de Vrij. Van Dijk has provided a reliable presence at the back for Liverpool since arriving for a record fee in January, while De Vrij is also expected to be involved in a transfer scramble later this year when he brings his time at Lazio to a close.

Full-back is where England shine, particularly with Kyle Walker and Danny Rose in their ranks, with the pair boasting a strong understanding of each other's game following their time together at Tottenham Hotspur. Walker is certain to be a regular for Southgate in Russia, though Rose does still have work to do if he is to edge out a few other contenders for the left-back/left wing-back role. Ashley Young continues to get the nod over Luke Shaw at club level and may now be given a run in the England side which, should be impress, will give Southgate a selection headache of sorts.

In terms of the three central midfield slots, there are plenty of players who fulfil the same role but arguably not enough creative options. Adam Lallana therefore stands out as someone who can make something happen from deep, and Dele Alli - despite not quite reaching the levels of last season - boasts impressive statistics in the Premier League and Champions League in 2017-18. A carrier is required to hold the side together, which is where Georginio Wijnaldum comes into the fold, favoured over another clubmate in Jordan Henderson.

There is little doubt who will lead the line, injury permitting, for England in the World Cup, as Harry Kane has once again proved any remaining doubters wrong with yet another stellar campaign in front of goal, but he will sit this fixture out. Raheem Sterling has also enjoyed his most prolific season to date, scoring 20 times for Manchester City in all competitions despite a recent layoff, while Memphis Depay has aspirations of becoming the best player in the world after being given the chance to play with a smile again at Lyon. Bas Dost continues to score at a consistent rate at club level, meanwhile, and Jamie Vardy's record in big games for Leicester City cannot be overlooked, so the latter gets the nod over Kane.

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Eric Dier wears the captain's armband during the international friendly between England and Germany on November 10, 2017
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