It has been a tough Euros for Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier.
The 33-year-old has started all four of England’s games so far, but out of position. Kieran Trippier has been asked to play at left-back by Gareth Southgate, despite the Newcastle United star being right-footed.
It has made England lopsided out in Germany, while Trippier has been joined on the left by Phil Foden, who naturally wants to drift inside. The Three Lions have not been able to properly attack down the left, and that is largely because Trippier has been playing there.
While he has done well defensively, there have been a lot of questions asked about his offensive role in the team. Unfortunately, Southgate has had to ignore the noise, as the only natural left-back in the squad, Luke Shaw, has not been fit enough to feature.
Next up for England is a quarter final tie with Switzerland, that will see Trippier potentially come up against his Toon teammate in Fabian Schar.
What Gareth Southgate is planning for England vs Switzerland
However, it is unclear whether or not Trippier will actually start for England in the quarters.
That is because Southgate is plotting a tactical change that could majorly impact the veteran’s role in the side.
According to Sky Sports, England are likely to play with three centre-backs against Switzerland, with Ezri Konsa coming into the side for the suspended Marc Guehi. He would join John Stones and Kyle Walker, with the latter shifting inside from right-back.
The width would be provided by wing-backs, which means that Trippier will play in a different position if he is selected on Saturday evening.
Where Kieran Trippier could play if England change their shape
If England do go to a back five, it would be a major surprise if Trippier was asked to play on the left. It would mean he was still on his weaker side, while there would be more pressure to attack from deep given the formation.
You have to assume that Southgate will pick Bukayo Saka to play out there, or he could bring in Shaw for his first appearance since February.
A more likely situation for Trippier is that he starts as wing-back on the right, but Southgate also has the option of deploying Trent Alexander-Arnold out there.
For the first time at Euro 2024, it feels like Trippier’s place in the England starting XI is very much in jeopardy. Southgate is planning a radical change to take on Switzerland, who also play a back three/five, and it could result in Trippier joining his Newcastle United teammate Anthony Gordon on the bench.
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