Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier has been a major part of England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Despite struggling at club level and reportedly being put up for sale by Newcastle just hours before England played Slovakia, Trippier has started every game thus far.
Clearly, Luke Shaw’s continued injury absence has no doubt helped Trippier’s case to start – with Gareth Southgate not having another specialised left-back in the squad.
It is not Trippier’s fault he is right-footed and the likes of Micah Richards have expressed sympathy at the 33-year-old being played out of position.
Still, with England having largely struggled in Germany thus far, there have been claims that Southgate is looking to change things up.
The Three Lions manager could reportedly switch to a back-three for the Switzerland game on Saturday, playing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-wing back and Bukayo Saka on the left.
Naturally, that wouldn’t leave a place for Trippier – with Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Kyle Walker thought to be the likely trio of central defenders.
Still, Southgate has now seemingly left the door open for Trippier.
Gareth Southgate hints at potential U-turn over Kieran Trippier
Despite the reports suggesting Saka and Alexander-Arnold would start, Southgate was at pains to praise Trippier for his performances so far.
Indeed, he talked up the defender’s ability to communicate on the pitch and stressed that such work goes largely unnoticed.
“Kieran Trippier has been absolutely outstanding for us,” he told The Metro.
“Luke [Shaw] is available he’s available to start but Kieran has also done a brilliant job for the team.
“He obviously doesn’t give us the balance that a natural left-footer gives you but his leadership, his communication, his talking – just ask the players he plays with – is phenomenal and it helps them to play the game.”
Kieran Trippier is facing an uncertain future after Euro 2024
Despite being a hugely successful signing for Newcastle, it seems Trippier is facing an uncertain future at St James’ Park upon his return from Euro 2024.
In fact, HITC football insider Graeme Bailey recently told Geordie Boot Boys that the club are considering accepting offers for him this summer.
An excellent signing and clearly valued by both club and country, it will be fascinating to see what happens.
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