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Arun - December 5, 2023
With UEFA Euro 2024 on the horizon, Gareth Southgate is already putting preparations in place for next summer’s tournament. The left-back position has been a problem area of late, but have England found their man in the shape of Kieran Trippier?
After securing qualification for Euro 2024, England are now among the favourites to lift the trophy in Germany. The Three Lions reached the final of UEFA Euro 2020 but have never won the Euros. The betting is already hotting up, and Premier Bet Cameroon has the English priced at 7/2 to win the tournament.
Of course, the likes of France and Germany have also been tipped to go far. The Germans will fancy their chances on home soil, while France have reached the last two FIFA World Cup finals. Spain, Portugal, and holders Italy cannot be ruled out either.
Newcastle United’s recent success story has been a breath of fresh air for the Premier League. After the cash boost, the Magpies have competed with the EPL’s big boys, finishing in the UEFA Champions League places last term. A top-four spot is the ambition again for Eddie Howe’s troops.
Having left the Premier League to join Atlético Madrid, Trippier made the move back to England to sign for Newcastle in 2022. The defender signed a lucrative two-and-a-half-year deal at St James’, which was extended last January.
Trippier made an instant impact and became a fan favourite on Tyneside. He played a captain’s role as Newcastle moved away from the drop zone and finished in 11th spot.
He was then pivotal in the 2022-23 season, with Howe’s men finishing above the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur to take fourth place. They also reached the 2022 EFL Cup final, losing out to Manchester United.
Trippier’s natural position is right-back, though he has filled in at left-back when required. Southgate believes Trippier is too good to leave out the England team, but the right-back slot is brimming with world-class talent. Therefore, he has spent some time playing as a left-back for his national side.
He also played in the position in England’s opening victory of Euro 2020 against Croatia. Luke Shaw, who went on to score in the final, took over from Trippier at left-back for the remainder of the tournament, though Trippier did start alongside Shaw in the final.
At 33, Trippier is one of the more experienced players within the ranks. He made his England debut back in 2017 and has racked up almost 50 caps. Trippier’s know-how could be vital for the Three Lions at the Euro 2024 tournament. Many English bettors will be backing their nation to lift the trophy in Germany.
Right now, Trippier’s full focus will be on Newcastle. He has been in good form so far this term as Howe’s side look to replicate last season’s success. Trippier will no doubt be in Southgate’s plans for the Euros, and the Newcastle defender still has a lot to offer his club and country, even at left-back.
