Gareth: It was tough call to leave out Trippier
Trippier axed by Southgate
GARETH SOUTHGATE has dropped Kieran Trippier from his England squad who will play in the Nations League finals next week. Trippier is one of four players to miss out as Southgate whittled his travelling party to Portugal down from 27 to 23. The full back is joined by Tottenham team-mate Harry Winks and Southampton duo Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse in not making it.
KIERAN TRIPPIER has missed out on a chance to add an international trophy to his World Cup heroics in Russia after Gareth Southgate omittted him from the England squad for next week’s UEFA Nations League finals. Southgate has cut the 27-man squad he selected a fortnight ago to the 23 names he had to provide to UEFA last night. Trippier is the big-name casualty along with fellow Tottenham player Harry Winks and Southampton duo Nathan Redmond and James WardProwse. Ward-Prowse and Redmond will, however, remain in training with the rest of the group at St George’s Park. It is less than 12 months since Trippier emerged as one of stars of England’s World Cup campaign, excelling on the right flank and scoring a free-kick in the semi-final against Croatia. He was considered England’s best dead-ball specialist since David Beckham. But Trippier has at times struggled with his form this season, making just three appearances for England. He has lost out to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been outstanding for Liverpool, and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker. The squad includes Harry Kane but there is no place for Winks, who has been sidelined recently by injury. Declan Rice is named among the midfielders. Southgate, who must hope the England players involved come through the Europa League and Champions League finals ahead of next week’s semi-final clash against Holland in Guimaraes, said: ‘Kieran has had such a big impact. He had such a brilliant World Cup. He has been a really valuable member of our squad and has a great attitude with us, real passion in playing for England. But Trent AlexanderArnold and Kyle Walker have finished the season so strongly. It is as hard a decision as we have had to make.’ Phil Foden and James Maddison have been selected for the England Under 21 squad for Euro 2019. Manchester City star Foden and Leicester midfielder Maddison are joined by Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka for next month’s tournament in Italy and San Marino. England’s opening game in Group C is against France on June 18.