Netherlands vs England tips and predictions: Three Lions spine under scrutiny in Amsterdam

England are less than three months away from the World Cup and Gareth Southgate still has many questions which need answering.

With his squad far from concrete and injury concerns giving others a chance to impress or adapt to different positions, Southgate will hope friendlies against both Netherlands and Italy will prove fruitful.

From the up-for-grabs goalkeeper spot to Harry Kane's absence, with question marks over the three centre-backs and who will ignite the midfield, there are issues throughout the team.

Simon Johnson assesses the key issues facing the Three Lions at the Amsterdam ArenA this evening...

A lot at stake for Jordan Pickford

A good showing at the Amsterdam Arena will surely see Pickford start the World Cup as first-choice goalkeeper. By selecting him ahead of the experienced Joe Hart, as well as Jack Butland and Nick Pope, Gareth Southgate has already sent out a signal of intent.

He appeared to be uncertain a few days ago but the England coach changed his tune to say he now knows who would start if the World Cup began tomorrow.

Given he is in the XI tonight, that must mean Pickford. Renowned for his shot stopping and distribution, the 24-year-old must still prove he can command his area and handle the pressure.

Can Eric Dier play at the back

It is not a foreign position for the Tottenham man, the question remains whether it is his best one. Dier has played in defence for club and country but has forged more of a reputation as a midfielder.

Yet with Southgate wanting his side to be comfortable in possession outside their penalty area, he is looking to drop Dier into the middle of a back three.

That is all very well but the primary role of a centre-back is to be able to defend and should Holland expose Dier’s deficiencies in that department, Southgate may have to think again.

Who provides midfield creativity?

It is a problem that has undermined England for some time and there is still no obvious solution.

The loss of Jack Wilshere with a minor knee injury is a significant blow because he is one of the few players who can inject some quality into the middle of the pitch.

It is expected that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will benefit from his former Arsenal team-mate’s misfortune and line up alongside the more workmanlike Jordan Henderson. The Ox maintains central midfield is his best position and now he has an ideal opportunity to prove it.

England need to win without Harry Kane

Whatever happens tonight, Kane will be England's main striker at the World Cup if he is fit. His absence with an ankle problem means Southgate has to try someone else.

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford appears to be the beneficiary and he will be tested against the world’s most expensive defender, Virgil van Dijk.

Rashford scored twice against Van Dijk’s Liverpool this month so confidence shouldn’t be a problem. But England need the psychological lift of a victory without arguably their best player.