Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier will be competing in the final of Euro 2024.
England got the job done on Wednesday night, and they did it in incredibly dramatic fashion. The Three Lions beat Netherlands 2-1, with Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins netting a 90th minute winner.
It was an incredible end to England’s best night at the Euros, as they finally started to click into gear after some worrying displays.
They did it with Kieran Trippier in the starting XI, as the Newcastle United defender retained his place in the side. Trippier was expected to start despite Luke Shaw’s return to fitness, and that is exactly what happened.
Paul Merson had stated before the game that it was better to start with Shaw on the left, but Gareth Southgate went with the opposite approach and finished with him.
Ollie Watkins sends England through to the final
Trippier only played 45 minutes of the semi final against Netherlands, and did not experience a special moment like he did in the World Cup semi final six years ago. On that night against Croatia, he was almost the hero as he put England 1-0 up with a free kick.
In the Euro 2024 semi, it was Watkins who took centre stage. He combined with Cole Palmer to produce an outrageous finish, at a point when extra time felt inevitable.
But Watkins, who had replaced captain Harry Kane, provided a late winner as England now prepare to face Spain in the final.
Kieran Trippier reacts as England advance to Euro 2024 final
That goal from Watkins means that England will be competing in back-to-back European Championship finals.
The last one ended in disappointment, as the Three Lions were beaten on penalties by Italy. Kieran Trippier started that game, and actually helped England go in front at Wembley. He provided the assist for Luke Shaw, who had given his country an early lead before Italy responded.
That was a heartbreaking night for Trippier and co, and the 33-year-old will desperately hope that Sunday ends differently.
The Toon veteran is already looking forward to the final, and took to Instagram to celebrate England’s last-gasp win over Netherlands.
He wrote: “What a night!! Euro 2024 FINAL let’s goo!!!”
Trippier’s post on his official Instagram account received multiple replies, with Paul Dummett showing his support.
There was also a comment from former England striker Daniel Sturridge, who wrote: “Get in there tripps!!”
Newcastle defender was not at his best against Netherlands
While there were wild celebrations following England’s win, the semi final was far from Trippier’s best night in a Three Lions shirt.
He only played 45 minutes before being replaced by Luke Shaw, having struggled offensively once again.
Trippier is a great player and is technically outstanding, but there is a lack of balance when he is on the left – especially as he does not have a proper winger in front of him. It has been a problem for England all tournament, and it will be interesting to see if Southgate sticks with Trippier on Sunday.
While he was not great in the final third, Trippier certainly did well defensively – as he has done all tournament.
Now Southgate must decide whether to stick with Trippier against Spain, which would mean coming up against teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
That will be a tough task for Trippier, who is one game away from bringing football home for England.
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