England boss Gareth Southgate was expected to ring the changes for their Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland – but one decision left supporters bemused on social media
England fans took to social media to express their confusion after Gareth Southgate deployed Kieran Trippier as a left wing-back against Switzerland.
It had been reported in the build-up to Saturday evening’s Euro 2024 quarter-final that the Three Lions boss was likely to change shape and move to a back three with Trippier and Bukayo Saka set to occupy the wing-back roles.
That had sparked a debate among England fans over whether Trippier or Trent Alexander-Arnold should play on the right. But neither of them would start the match in that role with Trippier playing on the left and Saka on the right.
England’s use of Trippier on the left in recent games has led to a number of fans and pundits bemoaning a lack of balance within the team. And fans were critical again during an indifferent first-half performance in Dusseldorf, where Trippier struggled on the left but Saka flourished on the right.
Reacting on social media, one fan wrote: “Playing better but Trippier is killing us again. Get Shaw on at HT,” while another said: “Trippier ruining an attack again I am shocked.”
Fans also took aim at Trippier after a fantastic attacking opportunity made by Kobbie Mainoo broke down with Trippier. One frustrated spectator reacted by writing: “Mainoo deserved better there than Trippier just slowing it down again.”
Trippier was eventually taken off by Southgate after Switzerland took a 75th minute lead. Saka quickly drew England level with a fine finish to force extra-time.
Speaking before the match, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher expressed his disbelief at reports claiming Trippier was set to play ahead of Alexander-Arnold at wing-back.
“Kieran Trippier has done a decent job at left back. He’s picked him over Trent Alexander-Arnold, which I just cannot fathom at all. I mean, that’s not the Liverpool fan in me,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“For a long time, I’ve always felt it was right that Kyle Walker played right back for England. I thought it was right that Gareth experimented with Trent in midfield because he’s got, obviously, world-class ability on the ball. It didn’t quite work and he had to be taken out of the team.
“But the reason that you’d play Trippier over Trent, I just can’t get my head around. The only reason would be that Kieran has played maybe a few more games, maybe he trusts him. But when you say defensively, the whole point of playing three at the back is to release your wing backs. And you’ve got Kyle Walker behind you, he’s the quickest player in the squad to mop up anything if you get caught out defensively.
“So to not put Trent in that position, I cannot believe that one. I must be honest, I can’t. I can only imagine where his head is right now in this tournament. But Kieran Trippier is a player who Gareth trusts, he puts him in. Whether it be left back, right back, right wing back, left wing back, he always seems to find a place for him. But I would have played Trent in that position.”
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