Gareth Southgate’s preparations for Euro 2024 have been dealt an injury blow after Kieran Trippier was taken off during the first-half of Newcastle United’s end-of-season friendly with Tottenham Hotspur.
The right-back, who could be crucial for England at this summer’s tournament, was seen nursing a problem after being subbed off in the 37th minute of the clash.
Trippier was replaced by Jacob Murphy late in the first half, with claims the 33-year-old was holding an ice pack on his ankle, even though the substitution was said to be a planned one.
Eddie Howe’s side were taking on Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs men in Melbourne, despite the Premier League season finishing just three days ago.
But the clash itself was shrouded in controversy, with critics blasting both Newcastle and Tottenham for agreeing to an exhibition match over 10,000 miles away from the UK.
What’s more, it comes on the back of a season where managers have bemoaned the current playing schedule, claiming top-level stars are currently playing too much football.
Speaking in April, Howe blamed ‘bad luck’ for Newcastle’s extraordinary injury crisis, with the Englishman commenting: “The speed of the game is definitely getting quicker, week on week.
“But when you look at some of the injuries we’ve had this year, and we’ve analysed and reanalysed them, then for a lot of them you can’t put them into any category other than bad luck, even though I don’t really believe in it.”
And now, with the European Championships just three weeks away, the added game at the end of an already grueling fixture may have cost Southgate and England one of their key men for the tournament.
Given England’s shortage of first-choice left-backs, with fellow injury-ridden ace Luke Shaw the only recognised player in that position included as part of the provisional squad, there were suggestions Trippier could deputise in that role.
But should Trippier arrive for duty carrying a niggle he’s picked up during the Tottenham friendly, Southgate could be forced to rethink his plans ahead of England’s opening game against Serbia on June 16th.
It isn’t just Trippier who could cause Southgate a headache though, as several England stars have struggled with injuries with their club throughout the season.
Shaw, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Bukayo Saka and talisman Harry Kane have all spent time on the sidelines throughout the 2023/24 campaign.
While speaking on the increase in injuries, Southgate admitted it’s an unprecedented situation he’s been left to deal with: “We’ve never had so many unknown situations.
“We’ve had tournaments where we have taken players that we’re pretty certain would be back for a certain moment of the tournament.
“We’ve had tournaments where we’ve had two English teams in the Champions League final and not had players for the games.”
He added: “They’re different problems [this time], but we’re used to dealing with it. The key is making the best possible decisions.”
