Mauricio Pochettino is amazed by how many top quality right-backs England have, and that includes Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier.
The Three Lions are preparing to face Senegal on Sunday, with the winner securing a place in the World Cup Quarter Finals.
Gareth Southgate has a bit of a selection dilemma on his hands, with Kyle Walker returning to the side for the win over Wales. He replaced Trippier, who had started England’s first two group games.
Now Southgate has a big decision to make, and he also has Trent Alexander-Arnold in his squad to complicate matters further.
England have real depth, are hoping to go deep into the competition in Qatar. Pochettino thinks they can, and has admitted that he believes in the squad Southgate possesses.
Pochettino on England’s right-backs
The former Tottenham Hotspur was a pundit for BBC during the Portugal vs South Korea game on Friday. During the buildup, they discussed England’s World Cup hopes, and the Argentine praised Trippier and co.
“For me, I really believe in the squad that England have,” Pochettino said.
“I think it’s amazing the different options. At right-back, it’s Walker, Trippier, Trent!”
Trippier has strong competition to play for England
After not starting the win over Wales, it would be a surprise if Trippier is named in the starting lineup to face Senegal. The most likely scenario is that he returns in the next round if England qualify and Southgate shifts to a back five.
Given how well Trippier has played this season, it is a testament to the immense quality that England have that he isn’t a guaranteed starter.
Whether he plays or not, all Newcastle fans will care about is the 32-year-old returning to Tyneside fit and ready for the second half of the season.
He has been vital to our success, and is playing the best football of his career. That is why he is in the England squad, and it is why Toon fans absolutely love him. And Pochettino is a fan too.
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