Paul Merson believes Gareth Southgate has an easy decision to make regarding Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier.
The 33-year-old’s place in the England starting XI is under threat, as the Three Lions prepare to face Netherlands in the semi final of Euro 2024 on Wednesday.
Kieran Trippier has started every England game at Euro 2024 so far, but has had to play on the left of defence in the absence of Luke Shaw.
But the Manchester United defender is back now, and made his return during England’s win over Switzerland.
He was impressive off the bench, leading to the likes of Gary Lineker calling for Shaw to start the semi final ahead of Trippier.
Paul Merson delivers Kieran Trippier verdict
And that is a view shared by Paul Merson, who has spoke to Sky Sports about who he thinks should start for England on Wednesday night.
Sadly for Trippier, Merson thinks the Newcastle United veteran should lose his place.
“I’d definitely take a chance on Luke Shaw,” he said.
“The team needs balance. Nothing against Trippier, I’m a big fan, but if you can get 60 minutes out of Shaw, it’s better to start him and take him off.”
That is not a view shared by Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, who told The Rest Is Football podcast that he does not anticipate that Southgate will start with Shaw.
“I don’t think he will [start Shaw],” he said.
Southgate should bench Newcastle defender on Wednesday
As Toon fans, we want to see Newcastle United players lighting up the international stage. However, I agree with Merson – Trippier should not start for England against Netherlands.
If Shaw is fit, it is better to start him rather than bring him on. That then gives England the option of bringing Trippier on later in the game if they have something to defend, or making an even more attacking change.
While Trippier is an outstanding player, he is not a left-back. Shaw has praised Trippier’s ability on the left of defence, but it was quickly evident on Saturday that England are a much better team with Shaw on the left.
That is no slight on Trippier, who has spent the entire tournament playing out of position and done an admirable job.
Anthony Gordon unlikely to feature in Euro 2024 semi
While there is uncertainty about Trippier’s place in the England team, it is a different story when it comes to Anthony Gordon.
The Newcastle winger has only made one appearance at Euro 2024 so far, and is extremely unlikely to start the semi final.
Hopefully he gets some minutes off the bench, but Toon fans will not hold their breath. Southgate has opted against playing Gordon, selecting the likes of Eberechi Eze and Newcastle target Jarrod Bowen instead.
And with Eze impressing in England’s previous two games, it appears he has the trust of the Three Lions boss going into what is a massive game on Wednesday night.
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