Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has been a huge admirer of Kieran Trippier, but believes he is causing an ‘issue’ for England.
The 33-year-old started for England on Tuesday night, as they drew 0-0 with Slovenia to finish top of their Euros group. It now means that the Three Lions are on the perceived ‘easier’ side of the draw.
But it was another limp display – until the substitutes came on. They provided a bit of spark for England, with Cole Palmer impressing. There was also a cameo from Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon, who was really lively despite only getting to play for five minutes.
Away from the subs, it was another night in which an unbalanced England side failed to inspire a nation that is begging for football to come home.
Alan Shearer raises Kieran Trippier concern as England stutter
One of the reasons that the team is unbalanced is because Kieran Trippier is playing at left-back.
The Toon defender is having to operate out of position, with Luke Shaw still not fit enough to feature.
It means that Trippier is playing on his weaker foot and continuously coming inside, which Alan Shearer, who has been speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, believes is proving to be a big ‘issue’.
“Well, it’s an issue, isn’t there, with Trippier?” he said.
“Through no fault of his, that left side without doubt is proving a problem because when Trippier is getting the ball, the vast majority of time is going back inside, which is helping teams and would not get in behind enough with pace on that left-hand side.”
Richards suggests a solution to Trippier ‘issue’
Unless Shaw is suddenly fit enough to start, the Trippier ‘issue’ is not really going to go away.
Ian Wright has suggested that Bukayo Saka could play at left-back, but that would be a risk given the fact he is not a natural defender. However, he is at least left-footed.
Micah Richards has offered a different solution, and has told The Rest Is Football podcast that he does not think Trippier should start England’s next game at Euro 2024.
“I would maybe go with Walker left-back and Trent right-back, potentially,” he said.
Newcastle star has been put in a tough spot by Gareth Southgate
Playing Walker at left-back would give England the same problem, as he is also right-footed. In truth, it might be more damaging, as I do not think Walker is as good on the ball as Trippier.
But that would allow Trent Alexander-Arnold to come into the team, and his passing range is something that Southgate really needs to take advantage of. He did try that by using the Liverpool star in centre-midfield, but that experiment failed.
For Trippier, he is in an unenvious position. He has effectively been brought to the Euros to play left-back, while he is not playing alongside a proper winger. Trippier naturally wants to come inside onto his right foot, while the lack of a traditional wide man like Anthony Gordon means he does not even have an option to hit the flank.
It is square pegs in round holes, which is a major problem throughout Gareth Southgate’s England team at Euro 2024.
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