Kieran Trippier may have watched on from the bench during England's 4-0 defeat against Hungary but the Newcastle United full-back still made an important contribution just seconds after the final whistle.
It would have been easy for England players, and especially Trippier as an unused substitute, to head straight back down the tunnel after the alarming collapse at Molineux. But despite being roundly booed as the final whistle signalled the end of the ugly UEFA Nations League encounter, Trippier quickly snapped into leadership mode.
As some England players tried to depart the scene of the horrific defeat, including Conor Gallagher and Harry Maguire, Trippier ushered them back on to the field and reminded them of the importance of applauding the majority of the 28,839 crowd. The moment also showed Trippier's influence behind the scenes within the England camp and why he is likely to be one of the first names in the squad for the World Cup finals later this year.
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Sources in the England set-up described Trippier as a "safe pair of hands" with not only his experience but also his versatility a huge factor for Gareth Southgate. With Southgate and his squad now on the end of a backlash from some fans and some pundits, Trippier will be a key man in terms of keeping heads up and transmitting positivity ahead of England's final two matches in the Nations League against Germany at Wembley and Italy at the San Siro.
Despite having an abundance of right-backs and options at left-back, Trippier is not picky on where he plays. The Toon full-back said: "It doesn’t bother me where I play on the pitch and my team-mates know that and the coach knows that.
"I will always be ready if I play or, if I don’t play, I’ll always be ready to be an influence around the dressing room.
"I’ll always be ready if I am called upon, if it is left-back or right-back. I’ll always be ready to do my country proud and give 100 per cent."
Trippier has 37 caps to his name and with a big season ahead of him with Newcastle, he is more than likely to add to that tally in the next few months. The Nations League run of fixtures has also resulted in Trippier getting two 90 minute run outs under his belt just months after picking up a foot injury.
