Sneijder returns to Netherlands squad

Wesley Sneijder has been recalled to the Netherlands squad after a six-month absence.

Coutinho is 'similar to Messi'

Van Gaal is without injured Schalke striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and has called up PSV Eindhoven forward Jeremain Lens, who scored in the 1-1 friendly draw against Italy last month, as his replacement.



"I played him in that position against Italy because I think he is the number two or three - he has to fight that out with Huntelaar - for the striker's position,'' the coach said.



Feyenoord midfielder Tonny Vilhena is the only uncapped player to be called up, while there are returns for Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart and Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.



The Netherlands have a 100% record in qualifying and sit top of Group D.



Squad in full:



Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (AS Roma), Kenneth Vermeer (Ajax), Michel Vorm (Swansea).



Defenders: Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Ricardo van Rhijn (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Joris Mathijsen (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Daley Blind (Ajax).



Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Kevin Strootman (PSV Eindhoven), Jonathan De Guzman (Swansea), Siem de Jong (Ajax), Tonny Trindade de Vilhena (Feyenoord), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray).



Forwards: Ruben Schaken (Feyenoord), Dirk Kuijt (Fenerbahce), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munchen), Ola John (Benfica), Jeremain Lens (PSV Eindhoven).