Kieran Trippier’s return to England since joining Newcastle United has been a stark reminder of why he should be classed amongst the best right-backs in Europe.
Much like how Reece James is unanimously hailed for being the complete package, the same can be said for the Magpies captain.
While there is no questioning how impactful the 32-year old is going forward, it is hard to raise any question marks about his defensive side of the game as well.
As the former Atletico Madrid man has once again been in superb form this campaign, there are some that have campaigned for Gareth Southgate to start him at the Qatar World Cup.
However, the popular opinion remains that in case Reece James is deemed fit for the showpiece event, he is likely to be an automatic pick for a starting role for the Three Lions.
Newcastle United icon and active pundit, Alan Shearer disagrees, as he believes that at this point, there should be no debate about Kieran Trippier being a guaranteed starter in the England side.
“At the minute, he’s England’s most in-form defender and for me, it’s just about where he plays in the first game for England in two weeks’ time,” he said on Match of The Day 2, as relayed by Chronicle Live.
Shearer continued, “Whether it’s at right-back, right wing-back or whether it’s at left-back. Because if you want someone who’s a really good defender, he’s it.
If you want someone who’s going to create chances by putting very good balls into the box, he’s also it. And he’s a great leader.”
Gareth Southgate could potentially agree with Alan Shearer when it especially comes to Kieran Trippier’s versatility in particular, as he has deployed the Newcastle defender in a variety of positions, including at left-back in the past.
With Trippier ticking a number of boxes in his game, he may well have guaranteed himself a berth in England’s starting XI in Qatar.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
