Report: Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier could now be rested for England vs Wales

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Rumours are swirling around England’s starting XI to face Wales tonight, and the latest report suggests that Kieran Trippier could lose his place.

The Newcastle United defender started the Three Lions’ first two games – the 6-2 win over Iran followed by the 0-0 draw with USA.

Gareth Southgate’s side are on the brink of qualification, and the England manager is expected to shuffle his pack for the game against Wales tonight.

It was previously claimed that Kyle Walker will be returning to the starting lineup, having overcome his injury issues. The Manchester City defender hasn’t started a game since October.

But he’s fit now, and will reportedly start for England tonight. And it looks like it could be in place of Trippier.

Trippier not set to be in England’s starting XI tonight

According to the Daily Mail, Walker is going to start against Wales. And he will be at right-back.

It was initially unclear whether starting Walker meant England would shift to a back five, but it looks like Southgate is going to continue with four in defence.

The Daily Mail state that Walker will start at right-back, meaning Trippier could be on the brink of being rested. Southgate does have the option of playing him on the left, but the Daily Mail believe that Luke Shaw will retain his place.

The report adds that Jordan Henderson, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford will also come into the team.

Cynics will say that Trippier is going to be dropped, but it is merely squad rotation from Southgate. It is important for him to use his squad as he looks to guide England to World Cup glory.

However, the concern for Trippier will be getting back into the team. What if Walker is England’s best player tonight? That might force Newcastle’s number two to sit out the next game as well.

It will be disappointing if Trippier doesn’t start, but England are blessed with some strong right-back options. Hopefully the rest does the 32-year-old good, and he can be ready to play his part again later in the tournament.

Trippier could be joined on the bench by his Newcastle teammates, with Callum Wilson and Nick Pope unlikely to be named in Southgate’s starting XI.