Kieran Trippier singles out two England players after beating Iran

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Kieran Trippier helped England kick off their World Cup campaign in impressive style on Monday, ending the game as captain as the Three Lions beat Iran 6-2.

Gareth Southgate’s side were ruthless in attack, scoring some excellent goals as they laid down a marker for the rest of the tournament.

There was plenty of pre-match discussion about who Southgate should name in his starting lineup. There were calls for Phil Foden to start over Bukayo Saka, while there was no guarantee that Trippier would be named at right-back.

But he was, and Southgate got his selection spot on. His forward players excelled, with Saka justifying his selection over Foden, bagging a brace. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham put on a show at the age of 19, scoring England’s opener with his head.

It was Saka and Bellingham’s first ever appearances at a World Cup, but it didn’t show. And Trippier has picked out those two players for praise after the game.

Trippier’s praise for Saka and Bellingham

The Newcastle defender spoke to England’s official website after the game, and was asked about the two young stars in Saka and Bellingham.

“I’m absolutely delighted for them,” Trippier said.

“It’s their first game, their first goals [at a World Cup]. They’ve worked extremely hard over the past 18 months and they’ve got great experience for such a young age.

“This tournament is for them to express themselves, they’re such quality players, just enjoy it.”

They will benefit from playing with Trippier

Trippier thinks Saka and Bellingham are such quality players, and the 32-year-old knows exactly one of them looks like. He plays with Miguel Almiron and Bruno Guimaraes every week! That probably explains why Saka was so prolific against Iran…

While the young players will hog the headlines, they will certainly benefit from playing alongside Trippier. He is a top class professional who commands respect. That’s why he was given the captain’s armband when Harry Kane was substituted.

Trippier has had a huge impact at Newcastle, and he can have the same role as England. Sure, he is playing with even better players, but the 32-year-old is still going to be an important figure for Southgate.

Newcastle’s number two was seriously impressed with Saka and Bellingham on Monday, like all of us were. If only Trippier could be talking about how good Saka and Bellingham are every week – imagine them at Newcastle!