Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier is set to start for England in a clash against Scotland tonight, but he will not be in his usual position.
The 32-year-old is expected to line up at left-back for Gareth Southgate’s side in Glasgow, with Manchester City defender Kyle Walker on the right.
Trippier has exclusively played at right-back for Newcastle under Eddie Howe, but has previously lined up on the left for England, and this appears to be a tactical decision.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, reporter Rob Dorsett has now explained that Trippier has been chosen as a countermeasure against left-footed Scotland attacker Aaron Hickey.
“Trippier is looking likely he’s going to start for England tonight, but of course, he plays left back, he plays right back, so where’s he going to play tonight?
“My understanding is that he’s likely to start at left-back with Kyle Walker keeping his place at right back and that’s probably a tactical decision from Gareth Southgate as much as anything else, because Aaron Hickey is probably going to start on the right wing for Scotland.
“He’s left-footed, so tends to come inside a little bit. You’ve got Kieran Trippier playing left-back, right-footed, happy to deal with anybody that comes inside.
“That could be a good move, a clever tactical decision from Gareth Southgate.”
Does this get the best out of Trippier?
Trippier has been exceptional for Newcastle since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in January 2022, and has excelled as a right-back who likes to go forward.
His crossing ability on his right foot is arguably the strongest aspect of his game, but being on the left could inhibit his ability to overlap a winger to then fire balls into the box.
Although he has the defensive instincts to be able to play on the left to shut down any opposition winger, his form for England may not match his top performance levels for Newcastle if he is continually played away from his natural position.
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