Adebayo Akinfenwa believes that Kieran Trippier should go to the World Cup ahead of Manchester United defender Luke Shaw. The Newcastle United right-back has impressed since making the £12million move from Atletico Madrid back in January, scoring twice in five appearances.
However, the 31-year-old is expected to be out for at least another two weeks after suffering a foot injury in the 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on February 13. Trippier, who scored the winner with a sublime free-kick on the day, has been a massive miss for the Magpies in their pursuit of staying in the Premier League.
Despite his injury issues, Akinfenwa has still backed Trippier to make the 23-man England squad ahead of this year's Qatar World Cup. The former Tottenham Hotspur full-back started the Euro 2020 final against Italy last summer and was an integral part of the side throughout the tournament.
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Meanwhile, the man he would be picked ahead of is Shaw, who has had a disappointing season by his standards, seemingly falling behind Alex Telles as the Red Devils' first-choice left-back. But Shaw has never arguably let the Three Lions down and scored during their 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland on Saturday.
When deliberating his squad on Sky Sports, Akinfenwa chose Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Kyle Walker as his three right-backs, with the latter likely to play in a back-three when required. Ben Chillwell was selected as the only recognised left-sided defender, leaving the Wycombe Wanderers forward one slot to chose from.
Even though Shaw is a left-back and Trippier a right-back, Akinfenwa picked the Newcastle star over the Man United's 26-year-old due to his versatility and ability to play in different positions. Trippier played on both flanks at Euro 2020 and did the same during his three-year stint at Diego Simeone's Madrid.
"I like him and I am about balance as well," said Akinfenwa. "I think balance is key. But, they do play the wing-back. I would take Trippier over Luke Shaw."
Elsewhere, Akinfenwa chose Harvey Elliott as his 'wildcard' selection, with Jack Grealish, Declan Rice, Mason Mount and John Stones all in the squad. Harry Kane was chosen to lead the line, with Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka either side of him.
