England dealt fresh blow as key defender nursing calf injury ahead of Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia - Reports
England have been dealt a fresh blow in their Euro 2024 campaign as key defender Kieran Trippier is reportedly nursing a calf injury. This comes ahead of their final group stage game against Slovenia on June 25, a win in which would see them qualify for the knockouts as group-toppers.
According to The Telegraph, Kieran Trippier has not been fully fit in the ongoing tournament and is struggling with a calf injury. However, he seems to be playing through the pain, which is a cause for concern, as the full-back played the full 90 minutes in England's two Euro 2024 group games.
Under Gareth Southgate's management, Trippier has been playing at left-back for the Three Lions. This is due to the injury to first-choice left-back Luke Shaw, who could feature from the bench against Slovenia.
If Trippier is unable to play for England due to his injury, Southgate is expected to start either Ezri Konsa or Joe Gomez at left-back. Both players are central defenders by trade but have played at the position in recent months.
England head coach Gareth Southgate slammed for midfield decision in Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate has been criticized heavily by former England international Chris Waddle for his decision to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield at Euro 2024. Southgate has led the Three Lions to a 1-0 win against Serbia and a 1-1 draw against Denmark, but the team has been underwhelming in both matches.
According to many, Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold playing in an unfamiliar midfield role for his country has been a part of the problem. This has led to Waddle slamming Southgate, telling Genting Casino (via GOAL):
"Trent Alexander-Arnold is playing as part of a midfield two, and I don’t understand why Gareth Southgate has made that decision. At England, there are no runners, so his greatest strength – his passing range – in that midfield role is completely wasted. He’s playing it simple because he has too – all these England players in front of him, except for Saka sometimes, want the ball to feet."
Waddle elaborated on England's squad dynamics which make Alexander-Arnold ineffective in the line-up. He added:
"Trent’s a wonderful player, but his best attribute is being wasted in this midfield role for England. If we’re going to play Trent in midfield, then Southgate needs to get more runners into his team. We need a player with the mindset to think ‘When Trent’s on the ball, I'm going to run behind my full-back because he’ll find me'."
It is uncertain if Southgate will be willing to make changes that could see Alexander-Arnold play in another role at Euro 2024.