Gareth Southgate has called Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier a ‘solider’ after England qualified for the final of Euro 2024.
The Three Lions beat Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday night, with Ollie Watkins scoring a late winner. It was an outstanding finish from the Aston Villa man, as England prepare for a second consecutive European Championship final.
Kieran Trippier has celebrated England’s win on Instagram, as he prepares to try and right the wrongs of that night at Wembley three years ago.
The 33-year-old was in the England team that lost to Italy on penalties, and he could be in the team that faces Spain on Sunday.
Kieran Trippier substituted at half time for England
That might depend on his fitness, as the Newcastle United defender was taken off at half time against Netherlands.
Kieran Trippier was replaced by Luke Shaw, who had been tipped to start by Gary Lineker.
Southgate stuck with Trippier on the left of defence, but made a change after 45 minutes. It was an attacking change, although Shaw did not have as much joy out wide as he did in the previous game against Switzerland.
Gareth Southgate pays tribute to Trippier after Euro 2024 semi
It may also have been an enforced change, as Southgate has admitted that he will ‘have to see’ how Trippier is ahead of the final against Spain. That is a concern, but he was fit enough to celebrate wildly with his teammates after Watkins’ winner.
The Newcastle defender suffered a calf injury earlier this year, and it has been plaguing him throughout the tournament. However, he has had to dig in with Shaw not fit to start.
Following the win over Netherlands, Southgate has paid tribute to Trippier for his role in this tournament.
“We didn’t want to take any chances [with Trippier],” he told the Athletic.
“We had it in our minds that we would bring Luke into the game at some point. It was better to bring him into the game than to start the game and not be able to finish it.
“We’ll have to see how Tripps is. He’s been an absolute soldier for us. To fill in the way he has, on the wrong side of the pitch, with the injuries he’s had coming into the tournament, is exceptional.”
Newcastle United defender has really dug in for his country
A lot has been said and written about Trippier at Euro 2024.
Pundits have questioned his role on the left of defence, as it has severely hindered England’s ability to attack down that flank.
That has been a big issue, but Trippier’s defensive contributions have been outstanding. He has been so reliable for Southgate, which is why he is one of his most trusted players.
Despite having his own fitness problems, Trippier has dug in and done what his manager has asked of him. Southgate has seen him as a ‘soldier’, as England prepare for one more battle.
The Three Lions face Spain in Sunday’s final, and it will be interesting to see whether Trippier starts again. If he does, he will come up against Lamine Yamal – the Barcelona wonderkid who has lit up Euro 2024.
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