Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier is now expected to start for England tomorrow in a friendly clash against Scotland.
The defender was on the bench as England drew with Ukraine in a Euro qualifier in Poland, but is now set to come in for a start in Glasgow as Gareth Southgate’s side faces their old rivals.
Sky Sports presenter Rob Dorsett has revealed that Trippier will be alongside Southgate for a press conference later today, and this is a big sign that he will start, but it is still unknown whether he will be on the left or right side.
“I can tell you that Kieran Trippier is going to be in the news conference with Gareth Southgate a little bit later on today, which is always a very clear indication, that whoever is in that news conference is going to start for England,” he stated on Sky Sports News.
“If Kieran Trippier is in, does that mean, in that little tug of war he’s having with Kyle Walker now, he’s won that tug of war and he’s going be at right back, or will he be at left back instead of Ben Chilwell?
“That’s the debate because Trippier’s versatility means he’s been used as much on the left side as he has on the right under Gareth Southgate in recent times, but Trippier will start.”
One of England’s best
It is a testament to Trippier’s quality that despite England possessing a wealth of right-backs, he is still an almost automatic pick for the squad at the age of 32.
His versatility does come in useful, but even as a right-back, he has arguably the best combination of defensive strength, experience and attacking prowess.
Trippier’s best moment in an England shirt came when he opened the scoring against Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, with a stunning free-kick from distance, and the Newcastle star is now a trusted option for both Southgate and Eddie Howe.
He has been a revelation since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in 2022, and despite the signing of Tino Livramento this summer, he will continue as Newcastle’s first choice for the foreseeable future.
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