Set-piece catches eye
creates a threat with his precision. It was from Trippier’s corner that Harry Kane scored the injury-time winning goal against Tunisia, and in that match he created more chances than any other player so far at this World Cup: six from right-wing back. Here he continued.
Trippier came into this World Cup unsure of his place. He had benefited from Southgate’s decision to move Kyle Walker to the right of the three-man defence but, even then, there was momentum behind Trent Alexander-arnold. The 19-year-old was uncapped when he was called into the squad, but had just impressed playing in the Champions League final for Liverpool – and Southgate has shown himself bold in his team selections.
Trippier needed to do well in England’s warm-up matches, coming back from injury at Tottenham Hotspur, and he did so. The 27-year-old was England’s best player against Tunisia, despite Kane’s goals, and that threat came again and again from the right against Panama, where he was also among the best.
It was from Trippier’s corner that Stones was picked out for the first goal, and it was a clever curling pass forward that unlocked the Panama defence and released Lingard, who was bundled over for Kane’s first penalty. The bullets continued to be provided.
Of their first eight corners at this tournament, England had an effort on goal from six and scored three times. Of their previous 72 corners they had not scored once, while what was also impressive was how they were varying their routines, which will have to continue now they have alerted the world to their threat.
There was another goal from a Trippier corner, with Panama panicking and grappling and pulling both Kane and Stones. Kane again scored emphatically from the penalty spot but, before that, Trippier had been involved in England’s brilliantly worked fourth goal when he took a short free-kick to Jordan Henderson, who changed the angle with a lofted pass to Kane, and he headed back across goal. Raheem Sterling’s effort was saved, but Stones headed home the rebound.
England will be annoyed that they conceded from a set-piece. Trippier had already been substituted by then with a slight injury. It means he may well not be risked against Belgium and, if so, England will miss the Beckham from Bury.