England kick off their European Championship campaign this afternoon by hosting Croatia at Wembley Stadium – and there is already surprise about Kieran Trippier.
The Three Lions will play the fifth game of the tournament today, and Gareth Southgate will be desperate to kick off with a victory.
Southgate has an immensely talented squad at his disposal, but he’s already under pressure with his starting XI beginning to leak.
How will England’s team be v Croatia?
The Athletic claim that Southgate will go with a back four of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Tyrone Mings and Kieran Trippier ahead of Jordan Pickford.
Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips would then start in midfield, with Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling behind Harry Kane.
Trippier at left back – England fans left baffled
When Atletico Madrid right back Kieran Trippier played at left back in warm-up games, it seemed like it was down to circumstance; Bukayo Saka had been playing as a winger and Ben Chilwell was late to join the group due to playing in the Champions League final.
Yet now, it seems like Southgate has been eyeing up playing him there all along in a move that has baffled fans.
England supporters have taken to Twitter to share their confusion at Southgate’s decision, suggesting that there was little point in taking both Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell if he’s going to play a right-footer at left back…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
