England vs. Netherlands: Predicting the England Starting XI

England prepares itself for a friendly with the Netherlands this Wednesday at Wembley Stadium.

The Three Lions caretaker boss, Stuart Pearce, named his 25-man squad last Thursday but has already seen four players choose to remain with their clubs for various reasons.

Wayne Rooney is one of the missing players and that isn't necessarily a bad thing, as it gives the team a chance to look at how things would be without the Manchester United star.

Here is a possible starting lineup for the England squad.

Goalkeeper: Joe Hart

It's an obvious selection here. While veterans like Robert Green and Scott Carson have also been called up, Joe Hart will certainly start in goal.

Right-Back: Glen Johnson

Glen Johnson has been part of a fantastic Liverpool defense this season. The recent Carling Cup winner will bring his attacking flair to the right side of defense.

Central Defender: Chris Smalling

It was really a toss-up between Chris Smalling and his Manchester United teammate Phil Jones.

Central Defender: Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill is the most capped of all the most likely central defenders in the squad with seven to his name. Micah Richards has 12 but he is more likely to come on as a right-back before he plays centrally.

Left-Back: Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole is by far the most experienced defender in the squad and would certainly start for that very reason.

Central Midfielder: Scott Parker

Scott Parker has been a very important player for Spurs this season and has seen more call-ups as a result.

Central Midfielder: Gareth Barry

Gareth Barry will line up alongside Scott Parker to help stabilize midfield.

Attacking Midfield: Steven Gerrard (Captain)

Steven Gerrard will lead the team out and slot in behind the forward.

Right Wing: Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott's second-half performance against Tottenham will have helped assure his starting sport for this game.

Left Wing: Stewart Downing

Stewart Downing was good in England's last friendly and his performance against Cardiff on Sunday may just get him the nod ahead of Ashley Young.

Forward: Danny Welbeck

Danny Welbeck will be the first forward to see if he can erase any fears about Wayne Rooney not playing the first few games of the tournament.