In a press conference ahead of their highly-anticipated semi-final match against the Netherlands, England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane expressed their thoughts on various aspects of the upcoming game.

One prominent topic discussed was the fitness of England left-back Luke Shaw. Although Southgate did not provide any direct updates on Shaw's condition, it is clear that his availability for the match remains uncertain. As for England's game plan, Southgate emphasized the importance of managing the expectations and media attention that surround tournament football. He praised the team's ability to handle the pressure while mentioning that the current edition of the tournament has seen amplified noise and expectation levels.

Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane addressed the pressure the team faced at the beginning of the tournament. Kane revealed that the team did not hold any specific meetings but ensured that there was open communication among the players, particularly with the newer members seeking advice and experiences. He also highlighted the team's strong sense of togetherness and their focus on achieving their ultimate goal.

Regarding the Dutch defense, Kane expressed his respect for both Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt. Having previously faced them, Kane acknowledged the strength of his potential opponents and emphasized the need to prepare well to make them uncomfortable on the field. He also hinted at the fierce battles he has had with both players in training sessions and expected a similar challenge in the upcoming match.

With the semi-final clash against the Netherlands fast approaching, England's 26 players engaged in a rigorous training session. All eyes are now on Wednesday evening when the match kicks off at 20:00 BST. The match will be televised on ITV, accompanied by live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Football fans can stay up to date with the latest developments from Euro 2024 through the BBC Sport website and app. Additionally, live text coverage will be available for those who prefer minute-by-minute updates.

The tension between England and Netherlands is palpable as two football powerhouses battle for a spot in the final. The hopes of a nation rest on the shoulders of Gareth Southgate's team, who aim to overcome a formidable Dutch side and continue their impressive run in the tournament.