England boss Gareth Southgate will see Kieran Trippier as a 'much more solid' option to Trent Alexander-Arnold at the World Cup. That is the view of Harry Redknapp, who believes the Newcastle United star will start for the Three Lions in a back four in the group stage.
Trippier has enjoyed a sensational return to the Premier League since becoming the first signing under the Magpies' new owners in January. The veteran full-back's instant impact was initially derailed by injury, but he has been one of the Premier League's best performers so far this season.
Competition at right-back is strong, although Chelsea star Reece James has missed out on the squad after picking up a knee injury last month. Kyle Walker has been selected but is not expected to be available until the latter stages of the competition, likely leaving Alexander-Arnold and Trippier as the contenders to start.
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Redknapp has named Alexander-Arnold in his own lineup, selecting the Liverpool star as a right wing-back as he is 'perfect' for that role. However, the former Portsmouth and Tottenham boss believes Southgate will not play with wing-backs in the group stages, and believes as a result Trippier will get the nod instead.
He told BetVictor : “I think Gareth will play with a back four. I think he’ll play Trippier at right back; he’ll play Shaw at left back, I think he’ll see Trippier as a much more solid player than Trent. Trippier’s a good all-round player, I like him an awful lot, but he hasn’t quite got the ability going forward that Trent has, but he’s a more solid defender.”
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