Gareth Southgate has admitted that he was hugely impressed by Kieran Trippier’s performance in England’s friendly victory against Nigeria.
The Tottenham Hotspur defender was fielded at right wing-back for the Three Lions’ penultimate match before heading to Russia for the World Cup.
Trippier tested Francis Uzoho with a free kick shortly before sending in a corner for Gary Cahill to open the scoring, with England going on to win 2-1 at Wembley Stadium.
Following his solid showing against Nigeria, Southgate has offered an indication that Trippier may now be given the nod in the World Cup opener against Tunisia later this month.
“His quality on the ball is outstanding,” he told reporters. “There were two set-plays, the one just before the goal – a free-kick bang on the money – then the corner for Gary.
“It was a great delivery. But we also know his quality on the ball when he’s in the final third. Kieran has outstanding quality and that kind of profile in that position is very important.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold is another option for England in the right wing-back slot, with the Liverpool youngster expected to be given some minutes against Costa Rica next week.