England team to face Netherlands: Raheem Sterling captains Three Lions with Harry Kane rested
Raheem Sterling is expected to captain England on his 50th cap in the Nations League semi-final against the Netherlands, with Harry Kane rested.
Sterling, 24, made his Three Lions debut against Sweden in 2012 but has emerged as his nation’s brightest talent since taking heavy criticism during last summer’s World Cup.
“I feel grown up,” Sterling said of his half century. “I've watched a lot of England games, and I always had a dream to play for them. I never thought I'd be in with a chance to make a 50th cap.
“It is a massive achievement for me, and something I'll cherish for the rest of my life, and so will my family.”
Kane, who made his first competitive appearance since April 9 as Tottenham lost the Champions League final against Liverpool last Saturday, sat down with Gareth Southgate after joining the England camp on Tuesday.
Liverpool’s Champions League winners, captain Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez have also been rested.
Marcus Rashford leads the line in Kane’s absence while youngsters Jadon Sancho and Declan Rice get their first taste of proper tournament football.
Starting line-ups
Netherlands XI: Cillessen; Dumfries, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Blind; De Roon, Wijnaldum, De Jong; Bergwijn, Memphis, Babel
England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell; Delph, Barkley, Rice; Sancho, Rashford, Sterling
