July 6th 2024.
Former England defender Jamie Carragher and current England manager Gareth Southgate have been the subject of much discussion and debate ahead of England's Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Switzerland. The main point of contention? The decision to start Kieran Trippier over Trent Alexander-Arnold as the right-wing back.
This decision marks a significant change for Southgate, as it is the first time in three years that the team will be playing with a back three formation. This provided the opportunity for Alexander-Arnold to shine in his preferred wing-back role, after a couple of lackluster performances in midfield. However, Southgate ultimately chose to go with Trippier, who is more comfortable on the right side of the pitch, instead of the technically skilled and creative Alexander-Arnold.
Trippier has faced criticism for his performances as a left-back, and while he may feel more at home on the right, Carragher still believes it was a mistake not to start Alexander-Arnold. The only other change to the starting line-up was Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa coming in for the suspended Marc Guehi, with Bukayo Saka filling in at left-wing back and Phil Foden retaining his spot despite a lackluster tournament.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Carragher expressed his confusion over Southgate's decision, saying, "Kieran Trippier has done a decent job at left back, but he's been picked over Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-wing back, which I just cannot understand. This isn't just my Liverpool bias talking, I have always believed that Kyle Walker should play right-back for England. I do think it was worth experimenting with Trent in midfield because of his world-class ability on the ball, but it didn't quite work out."
Carragher also noted that Alexander-Arnold's exclusion may be due to Trippier's experience and Southgate's trust in him. However, he believes that defensively, having Alexander-Arnold's pace and Walker's presence in the backline would have been beneficial. "The whole point of playing with three at the back is to have your wing-backs pushing forward, and with Kyle Walker, the fastest player in the squad, there to cover, I can't understand why Trent wasn't given that opportunity," Carragher added.
He also expressed his sympathy for Alexander-Arnold, saying, "I can only imagine where his head is at right now. After this tournament, I believe Trent Alexander-Arnold should be England's starting right-back, whether it's in a back four or a back five. He is simply too good of a player to be left out."
England is looking to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship for the first time in three years, after their loss in the final of Euro 2020. However, their performance in this tournament has been underwhelming, and they face a tough opponent in Switzerland, who knocked out defending champions Italy in the previous round.
At his pre-match press conference, Southgate defended his decision to start Trippier, saying, "Kieran Trippier has been absolutely outstanding for us. Luke Shaw is available to start, but Kieran has also done a brilliant job for the team." He also praised Trippier's leadership, communication, and talking skills, which he believes have been essential in helping the team play their best game.
Southgate also emphasized the importance of having good communicators on the pitch, and praised Trippier's exceptional qualities in that aspect, as well as his technical abilities. "He's adapted and done a brilliant job for us," Southgate added. It remains to be seen how this decision will play out on the pitch, but one thing is for sure - all eyes will be on Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold as England takes on Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
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