As England prepares up for the historic Euro 2024 final against Spain on Sunday, Gareth Southgate faces a crucial decision regarding his left-wing-back.
The nation hopes to end a 58-year drought for a major men’s tournament victory following their dramatic 2-1 semi-final win over the Netherlands.
Throughout the tournament, Kieran Trippier has been a staple on the left side of defense, filling in while Luke Shaw recovered from a hamstring injury.
However, Shaw's halftime substitution in the semi-final suggests a possible change for the final. Southgate hinted that Trippier’s removal was not just a tactical move, stating,
“We didn’t want to take any chances. We had it in our minds bringing Luke into the game at some point and still deciding how long for. We’ll see how Tripps is, but he has been a soldier.”
Shaw, who recently returned from a five-month injury layoff, made a brief appearance in the quarter-final against Switzerland and could now be poised to start in Berlin.
Despite the tight schedule, Southgate is expected to stick largely with the same lineup.
Harry Kane will likely retain his place over semi-final hero Ollie Watkins, supported in attack by Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. Bukayo Saka is set to occupy the right wing in a deeper role.
Midfield will see Kobbie Mainoo partnering with Declan Rice.
Jordan Pickford remains the first-choice goalkeeper, with a defensive trio of Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Marc Guehi, who rejoined the team against the Netherlands following a quarter-final suspension.