Kyle Walker is reportedly set to return for England tonight against Wales, meaning a change of position could be on the horizon for Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier.
The 32-year-old has started England’s first two games at right-back, and even briefly wore the captain’s armband in the win over Iran.
But Gareth Southgate is planning changes for the final game of the group stage, and one could seriously impact Trippier.
The Telegraph have reported that Walker is set to start for the Three Lions. That’s despite not playing a competitive game since the Manchester Derby back in October.
But he is seemingly fit to return now, and is in line to feature in Southgate’s starting XI. The Telegraph add that it is unclear what this means for England’s formation, but it will almost certainly lead to a change for Trippier.
What Walker’s return means for Trippier
If Walker is starting against Wales, he will he starting in one of two positions. He will either be a right-back, or a right-sided centre-back. The only other option is playing him as a centre-back in a back four, which seems incredibly unlikely.
If Walker is deployed at right-back, Trippier’s place in the side could be at risk. Either he moves over to the left and replaces Luke Shaw, or he is dropped completely.
Alternatively, the Toon defender could get a more attacking role if Southgate goes to a back five. That is the formation that will likely be used later in the tournament, as England come up against tougher opposition.
That would see Walker play as the right-sided centre-back, while Trippier would push slightly further forward as a right wing-back.
If Southgate were to make the latter change, it probably wouldn’t go down well with supporters. Playing five at the back is seen as negative, especially given the wealth of attacking talent England have right now.
However, it has worked before in previous tournaments, with Southgate taking England to a World Cup semi final and a European Championship final. His record in major tournaments is impressive – even if he is no longer as popular as he once was.
Walker is an important player for Southgate – someone with a lot of experience at international level. The England boss will be keen to get him up to match fitness, which looks likely to lead to a change for Trippier.
But regardless, Newcastle’s number two should still be starting for his country out in Qatar.
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