A BBC expert says Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier is one of the reasons England’s Euro 2024 campaign has been so disastrous thus far.
Gareth Southgate made the daring decision to invite Luke Shaw to Germany this summer, despite the left-back’s injury and lack of playing time since February. It was similarly brave not to bring another left-back, forcing the Three Lions manager to start Kieran Trippier on the left side of a back four.
This has not worked out thus far in the tournament, as England lacks inventiveness on the left and appears to be attacking their opponents from the right wing, where the two players, Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker, are playing in their natural positions.
This is in contrast to Trippier and Phil Foden on the left, who are still adjusting to their new responsibilities and playing alongside one another.
The Newcastle star is one of the top full-backs in the Premier League, but he is starting to struggle at left-back, according to BBC commentator Micah Richards.
“I don’t want to be disrespectful to Trippier because he can play there and he has played there well,” Richards said to the BBC.
“But in terms of on the ball, it really is becoming a problem.”
Trippier is without a doubt one of England’s top full-backs, but his abilities are not fully used on the left.
Although the Newcastle star is a competent defender, the 33-year-old possesses an outstanding right foot and can provide excellent passes and crosses to forward players when advancing into the opposing half. This has not been seen enough in Germany, as Trippier must cut back onto his right foot and has been quite predictable in his left-back role.
The England star is undoubtedly a problem for Southgate, and the Three Lions manager must address it immediately.
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