The Newcastle United defender has played out of position at left back throughout the tournament so far, but a switch to a back three could see him become the fall guy against Switzerland in Dusseldorf

Kieran Trippier has been given a huge vote of confidence ahead of England’s Euro 2024 quarter final.

England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to change formations to a back three and that could lead him to look at changing the full backs. But Southgate underlined Trippier’s importance to the team as a right back who has filled in at left back and the glowing tribute also suggested his place is guaranteed.

Southgate said: “I repeat Kieran in particular has given such high-level performances, defended so well. Such a great leader, such a super communicator on the pitch.‌ The ability to talk and help others on the pitch is so underestimated and is a slightly disappearing art, I'd have to say.

“When he's in training and matches, you really feel that. And I'm sure the players who play in front of him would recognise that as well.”

Southgate also admits that Jude Bellingham's conduct will now be under the "spotlight" after UEFA's decision not to ban him on Friday. Bellingham was hit with a £25,000 fine and a suspended one match ban as punishment for his gesture after scoring his 95th minute equaliser against Slovakia.

He is also a booking away from missing the semi-final, if England can get past the Swiss.

“I think it’s a common sense decision," said Southgate. "Clearly it’s an unprecedented moment in someone’s life to score a goal like that in the 96th minute. I don’t know how I’d have reacted in that moment if that was me, at his age as well.

“I’m just so mindful of everything he’s achieving and the spotlight on his world and at that age - or any age - nobody is going to be perfect at 21. You are at times going to react emotionally and without that emotion I don’t think you have the type of player he is, so I think he actually deals with everything so well.

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