Former Manchester City defender turned BBC pundit, Micah Richards has been discussing England’s performances at Euro 2024 and has come to the defence of Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier.
England’s performances at Euro 2024 have been tough to watch for supporters and pundits alike, with many calling for Gareth Southgate to ring the changes throughout the tournament.
However, the England manager has largely stuck to his guns, making few changes to his starting 11 during their four games in Germany.
Several players have come under scrutiny during England’s Euro 2024 campaign, with the likes of Phil Foden and Harry Kane not devoid of criticism. There has been an unbalanced look to Southgate’s side with no natural width on the left side of the pitch, which has caused England issues going forward.
Richards along with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have been regularly discussing England’s issues at Euro 2024, and sharing their opinions on how to improve the side.
Richards comes to the defence of Newcastle player
During a recent Rest is Football podcast Richards had sympathy for Newcastle defender, Kieran Trippier, who has been playing out of position at left-back. Richards, a right-back himself during his playing days had this to say about Trippier’s performances at Euro 2024: “I want to protect Trippier a bit, in terms of what people were expecting from him.
“All the things you do on the ball at right-back is completely the opposite of what you do at left-back, even just the way you open up, the way you pass, the way you think. Everything is opposite side and that can be very difficult. If you look at the way Trippier is playing, he can play inside but everything is taking two or three seconds longer than it should and then all the space, or where the space is, the picture completely changes. I don’t think it’s fair to him.”
Trippier’s versatility has resulted in Southgate entrusting him to play on the opposite side of the pitch, in the absence of Luke Shaw, who is still returning to full fitness after injury. England do not have another natural left-back, with the only other options in the shape of Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
Trippier is still a vital player for Newcastle and England
Trippier’s importance to club and country is unquestionable, with the defender still performing commendably despite playing out of position for England, and has still created big chances for the Three Lions during Euro 2024.
The defender brings much-needed experience to a young England squad and has consistently had the backing of both Southgate and Newcastle United manager, Eddie Howe. Trippier is still seen as a key player for the Magpies despite an injury-hit end to his 2023/24 campaign.
Former Arsenal striker, Ian Wright recently called for a change at left-back with the pundit fearing England lack width on the left. However, Trippier has continued in the position and has shown his professionalism throughout.
Whether the Newcastle defender keeps his place in the England side for their quarter-final tie with Switzerland remains to be seen.
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