GARETH SOUTHGATE has drawn up plans for Kieran Trippier to be his emergency left-back at Euro 2024.
The England manager is set to name a “training” squad of more than 30 players for the tournament.
He will reduce that to 26 on June 7 after the friendly with Iceland at Wembley.
Left-back is one of Southgate’s problem areas — and Newcastle right-back Trippier may have to cover.
Luke Shaw could miss the Euros with a thigh injury, having not played for Manchester United since February.
Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell has struggled with form and fitness although he looks sure to be included in the squad.
And Trippier is favourite to start the first Euro match against Serbia on June 16.
The 33-year-old has 46 caps and has already played several times on the left for his country, including in the Euro 2020 opener against Croatia.
Southgate was at Brentford on Sunday to watch him in Newcastle’s 4-2 win.
The Three Lions boss also saw Ivan Toney deliver another below-par performance up front and he faces a fight to make the final 26-man squad.
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England’s opening training session will be at Middlesbrough’s Rockcliffe Park a week tomorrow.
The first warm-up is against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on June 3.
Southgate is keen to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield next to Declan Rice in both friendlies.
Meanwhile, England continue to sweat over the fitness of captain Harry Kane.
He is working at home with Canadian-based sports medicine specialist Dr Alejandro Elorriaga Claraco, who also helped cure his long-standing ankle problems, on current back pain.
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel said: “Harry is receiving treatment from his personal doctor. He cannot travel. He was already at the limit versus Real Madrid. It was a borderline decision for him to play.
“He had a complete blockade in his back, it’s got worse and bothers him in everyday movements. There was no chance for him to participate in the game.”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
