Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier is waiting to discover whether he will start Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.
England face Spain in the final in Berlin on Sunday, after beating Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday night. Kieran Trippier and co celebrated a dramatic victory, with Ollie Watkins scoring a 90th minute winner.
It was an incredible night for the Three Lions, but one that ended early for Trippier. Gareth Southgate decided to substitute Trippier at half time, bringing Luke Shaw on in his place.
The Manchester United defender has appeared in England’s previous two games, having finally returned to full fitness after being out of action since February.
A lot of fans are now eager to see Shaw start, which would result in Trippier dropping to the bench.
Alan Shearer delivers Kieran Trippier verdict
It is a big decision for Gareth Southgate, and Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has given his verdict on what the England boss should do.
Shearer has been speaking about Trippier’s performance against Netherlands on The Rest Is Football podcast, and gave his thoughts on who may start in the final.
“There were two or three occasions where Kieran Trippier had got down that left side and the ball should have come in early,” he said.
“It didn’t come in. We came back into the middle and out to the right. It slowed it down.
“Nothing against him defensively, but attacking positions – we got into them and didn’t make the most of them. That is probably why he brought Shaw on, and I thought that was the right thing to do.”
Shearer then added: “In terms of the formation, he will probably go with the same. It wouldn’t surprise me if he put Luke Shaw in from the start and kept everything else the same.”
Trippier or Shaw will have to face Spain’s teenage sensation
Given how much England have improved since they changed formation, it seems extremely likely that Southgate will stick with the wingbacks for the final against Spain.
And with Bukayo Saka doing so well down the right, his role in the team is not going to change.
On the left, it is a toss up between Trippier and Shaw. The former has started every game of the tournament so far, and has looked uncomfortable when asked to attack due to being on his weaker side. However, he has been as reliable as ever defensively.
In contrast, Shaw provides greater balance and can really allow England to attack down that side. However, he is lacking match sharpness.
There is also the added complication of the opponent, as whoever plays on the left of defence will come up against Spain’s brightest star Lamine Yamal. The teenager, who turns 17 on Saturday, has lit up the tournament, and scored a screamer in Spain’s semi final win over France.
Stopping him will be extremely difficult, but you could argue that Trippier is better equipped to do it. Yamal has proven all tournament that he wants to come inside on his left foot, which might play into Trippier’s hands.
Shearer thinks it could well be Shaw who starts, but I am backing the Newcastle United player to get the nod from Southgate, who could be set to continue as England boss after Euro 2024.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
