Wayne Rooney has given an interesting verdict on Kieran Trippier’s performances for Newcastle United this season.
The 33-year-old is currently away on international duty, and is expected to be a key player for England at Euro 2024.
Kieran Trippier is one of the most experienced players in the Three Lions squad, and is set to play out of position for Gareth Southgate’s side. With Luke Shaw still injured, it looks like Trippier will be asked to operate at left-back rather than right-back, with England’s first match set to take place on Sunday against Serbia.
The Newcastle United defender looks certain to start at a major tournament once again for his country, but former England captain Wayne Rooney has not been convinced by Trippier’s form heading into the Euros.
Wayne Rooney is not convinced by Kieran Trippier
Speaking on The Overlap YouTube channel, Gary Neville asked Rooney if it is a ‘guarantee’ that Trippier starts at left-back due to Shaw’s injury.
“It is, but for me he’s been really poor all season,” he said.
“He’s had injuries as well, but he’s been playing poor. I thought the other night against Iceland he was poor again.
“He has to play, but he hasn’t been playing well for Newcastle.”
Rooney saw Trippier struggle for Newcastle last month
It was only last month that Rooney previously criticised Trippier.
He was on punditry duty for Newcastle United’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which ended in a 3-2 defeat for the Magpies. That was a pivotal loss for Eddie Howe’s side, who ended up missing out on Europe completely.
During that defeat, Trippier was massively at fault for Man United’s opening goal. He played Kobbie Mainoo onside, which Rooney said was ‘shocking’.
Trippier criticism is slightly harsh
There have been some disappointing moments for Trippier in black and white this season, but to describe his entire campaign as ‘poor’ is extremely harsh.
The former Tottenham defender enjoyed a really bright start to the 2023/24 season, and it was only during the winter months that he really struggled. Unfortunately for him, he made a lot of high profile mistakes that cost Newcastle United.
But Trippier did recover in the New Year, only for injury to disrupt his progress.
The best way to describe Trippier’s season would be inconsistent, but he is going to be invaluable to England this summer. He is one of the most experienced players that Southgate has got, which is really important in a major tournament.
As long as Shaw is injured, Trippier is going to be needed by his country, and Newcastle fans will have confidence that he can deliver the goods, even if Rooney does not share that confidence.
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