Kieran Trippier Doubtful for Euro 2024 Clash Against Slovakia
Southgate will have to come up with a makeshift solution for left back!
England are engulfed into a bit of a crisis with Trippier doubtful for Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign has hit a stumbling block as Kieran Trippier is now an injury doubt for the upcoming round of 16 match against Slovakia. Trippier’s absence would force manager Gareth Southgate to find a quick fix for a position that has already caused him headaches in this tournament.
The Three Lions arrived in Germany with just one natural left-back Luke Shaw in their squad. But Shaw has not played since February due to a hamstring injury leaving Southgate to rely on Trippier.
Despite battling through a calf injury to play against Slovenia, Trippier’s condition has now worsened making him a major doubt for Sunday’s crucial game.
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Konsa set for left-back role
With Trippier potentially sidelined, Southgate is reportedly preparing Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa to fill in as a makeshift left-back. This comes as a surprise to many as Konsa primarily played as a centre-back or right-back during his impressive season with Aston Villa.
Joe Gomez, who gained experience as a left-back for Liverpool last season was another option, but Southgate appears to have more faith in Konsa for this role. Konsa will see this as a golden opportunity to make a mark and secure a more prominent role in the tournament.
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Luke Shaw’s potential return
Luke Shaw, although fit enough to be on the bench against Slovenia, is yet to play in the tournament.
Southgate may look to bring Shaw on as a substitute to gradually increase his match fitness. This could be crucial for England as they progress through the knockout stages.
England have a favorable path to the final in Berlin, avoiding powerhouses like France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal until the later stages. If they overcome Slovakia they will face either Italy or Switzerland in the quarter-final.
However, Southgate will need to solve his left-back dilemma quickly to ensure England’s smooth progression in the tournament.