Kieran Trippier has reportedly picked up an injury and played through pain in England's first two Euros matches against Serbia and Denmark.
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Trippier utilized at left-back amid Shaw absence Newcastle star reportedly playing through pain Shaw still unavailable for selection for Southgate (C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
England boss Gareth Southgate has been in a twist since the start of the Euros over the fitness of Luke Shaw, the only natural left-back in the squad. He has resorted to using Trippier as his make-shift left-back. However, as per The Telegraph, the Newcastle United defender has been playing through the pain barrier and might have to continue to do so with Shaw still training alone as he targets a return for the knockout stages.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
As per the report, Trippier is nursing an injury to his calf, though it it is not known if it is the same issue that forced him to miss the end of the season for Newcastle. It is also unclear whether he will be able to start for the Three Lions again in their final group stage match against Slovenia. If the 33-year-old's condition worsens, Southgate may be facing a crisis at left-back with a return date for Shaw yet to be confirmed. Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa is in line to be Trippier's replacement against Slovenia as he has impressed the coaching team in training.
DID YOU KNOW?
Trippier hadn't played the entire ninety minutes for club or country since February, but has done so twice in two Euros games for Southgate, who had been hoping to provide him with some rest but couldn't due to England's sub-par performances. Trippier had also been spotted drinking pickle juice to alleviate muscle cramps against Serbia, which was his first 90-minute stint since a 4-1 loss against Arsenal on February 25.
WHAT NEXT FOR TRIPPIER?
It is possible that Trippier may be afforded some rest at the start of the match against Slovenia on June 26 but could be called into action later if whoever is drafted in to replace him fails to impress.