England vs Netherlands: Match Preview

29 February 2012 10:48
February 29, 2012 8:00 PM GMT - Wembley Stadium

Stuart Pearce faces a tough test in his first encounter as temporary England manager.

Pearce will lead out his England side against the 2010 World Cup finalists on Wednesday evening.

The former Manchester City and current U21 boss is confident his new look side can overcome the Netherlands as he hopes to boost his chances for a permanent position as manager.

Micah Richards, who was handed his debut at City by Pearce, could be in line for a start at right-back after Kyle Walker dropped out of the squad through injury.

James Milner could start in midfield alongside the recently voted England's 2011 Vauxhall player of the year, Scott Parker.

Gareth Barry could miss out with a back problem and Tom Cleverley was also forced to withdraw due to an ankle problem.

Strike pairing Darren Bent and Wayne Rooney are also out after suffering ankle ligament damage and a throat infection respectively.

Sunderland striker Frazier Campbell is likely to start on the bench after receiving his first call-up.

The Netherlands will be without regular right back Gregory van der Wiel through injury meaning former Chelsea defender, Khalid Boularouz could take his place.

Tottenham's Rafael van der Vaart withdrew after picking up an ankle injury against Arsenal at the weekend and Arjen Robben has also been struggling with a groin problem.

The two sides drew when they last faced either other in August 2009.

Jermaine Defoe scored twice as England came from behind to level after Kuyt and van Persie has put the Oranjie ahead.

England squad: Carson, Hart, Green; Cahill, A Cole, Baines, G Johnson, Jones, Richards, Smalling; Barry, Downing A Johnson, Gerrard, Milner, Parker, Young, Walcott; Campbell, Sturridge, Welbeck.

Recent Form: W, W, D, W, W

Netherlands squad: Krul, Stekelenburg, Vorm; Boulahrouz, Bruma, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Pieters, Vlaar; Van Bommel, Emanuelson, N De Jong, Schaars, Sneijder, Strootman, Wijnaldum; K Huntelaar, John, L De Jong, Kuyt, Narsingh, Van Persie, Robben.

Recent Form:
W, W, L, D, L

Source: DSG