Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has spent his summer playing at left-back, much to the confusion of England fans.
The 33-year-old is part of the England squad that are still at Euro 2024, with Kieran Trippier helping the Three Lions beat Switzerland on Saturday.
Gareth Southgate’s side needed penalties to get through to the semis, but did not suffer the same fate as England teams in the past. As Alan Shearer said, pressure is for tyres, and England converted all five of their spot kicks to advance.
Now they face Netherlands for a place in the final, and Southgate has a big decision to make.
Kieran Trippier could lose his place in England XI
Kieran Trippier has started every game for England so far. He was at left-back for the first four games, then actually operated as a left wing-back against Switzerland. That came as a surprise, and continued to highlight England’s lack of options on the left.
But there is now another option, with Luke Shaw back from injury. He came off the bench on Saturday and did well, which has resulted in people like Gary Lineker calling for Shaw to start against Netherlands.
That would likely result in Trippier dropping to the bench, where he would be joined by Newcastle United teammate Anthony Gordon.
Luke Shaw comments on Kieran Trippier at left-back
In truth, Trippier has been put in a difficult situation by Southgate. By not taking another recognised left-back, the Toon defender has been forced to play out of position.
That has created problems for England in attack, with Trippier far less confident on his weaker side.
But Luke Shaw has admitted that he has belief in Trippier’s ability as a left-back, after being asked if he was surprised to see that he was the only left-sided defender named in Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
“I don’t know really,” he said.
“Maybe a little bit, but I also know how good of a job Kieran Trippier can do anyway at left-back.
“I sort of saw him as a left-back cover anyway, so you know, there was a little bit of a surprise but not too much.”
Newcastle do not see Trippier as a left-back option
Southgate clearly trusts Trippier a lot. He is one of his most reliable players, and that is why he has asked him to play at left-back as he goes in search of England’s first trophy since 1966.
You could argue that the gamble has paid off, as England are still in the competition, and Shaw now is fit.
It feels likely that the Man United player will take his place, and once the Euros are over Trippier can concentrate on being a right-back again.
That is what he will always be for Newcastle, with Eddie Howe rarely considering using Trippier on that side of the pitch. Even last season when it was an option, he went with Tino Livramento over there.
Livramento was much more comfortable over there than Trippier has been for England, and you have to imagine the former Tottenham Hotspur man is looking forward to returning to his natural position.
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