Adebayo Akinfenwa has stated that he would pick Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier over Manchester United’s Luke Shaw for England’s final squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as he told Sky Sports.
The Wycombe striker, who is dubbed the world’s strongest footballer on FIFA, was sharing his thoughts on the England squad ahead of Qatar.
Just like the European Championships in the summer, Gareth Southgate has a big task on his hands regarding who gets that all-important plane ticket in November.
Shaw has been selected for the Three Lions’ latest squad and scored during his side’s 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Trippier, who missed the last squad for selections reasons, wasn’t picked for this current squad because he is injured.
Nonetheless, even though Shaw is a left-back and Trippier a right-back, Akinfenwa picked the Newcastle star over the Man United’s 26-year-old when sharing his thoughts on who he would take to Qatar.
“I like him and I am about balance as well,” said Akinfenwa. “I think balance is key.
“But, they do play the wing-back. I would take Trippier over Luke Shaw.”
Southgate did use Trippier as a left-back at Euro 2020, even though he had bonafide players to pick from for that position.
Shaw was eventually selected by the England boss and he thrived all tournament, including scoring in the final against Italy.
The former Southampton man’s form has been indifferent at Old Trafford this season, but not as bad as some of his teammates.
Either way, Shaw is a player who has to be selected, whilst Trippier, despite his past experiences, might just miss out because the right-back area is just jam-packed.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
