England defender Kieran Trippier is reportedly expected to start the Three Lions' Euro 2024 round-of-16 tie with Slovakia on Sunday evening.
The Newcastle United full-back has been Gareth Southgate's first-choice option at left-back for the entirety of the tournament to date, as England unconvincingly escaped Group C.
Following a narrow 1-0 success over Serbia in the first match, the Three Lions played out draws with both Denmark and Slovenia to collect a steady tally of five points from three games.
With none of the other sides in the section able to earn a victory, Southgate's men limped to first place in Group C, setting up a last-16 battle against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.
Having received a yellow card earlier in the contest, Trippier was subbed off for the final six minutes of the stalemate with Slovenia last time out, with Trent Alexander-Arnold coming onto the pitch and Kyle Walker switching to left-back.
England 'expected' to start Trippier in Euro 2024 last-16 clash
After playing all three of England's group matches - forming part of a defence that conceded just a single goal - there was considerable concern when Trippier did not take part in team training on Friday.
It was stated that the Newcastle man was managing a calf issue and was going through a personalised training programme away from his teammates.
Better news arrived for Three Lions supporters on Saturday morning, when Trippier was pictured in full training, with all 26 members of Southgate's cohort on the grass.
Now, according to Sky Sports News, the reliable 33-year-old is expected to start the knockout game versus Slovakia on Sunday afternoon in Gelsenkirchen.
The report also states that Ezri Konsa would have been shoehorned into the left of the backline if Trippier was unavailable - a position that the Aston Villa defender has never played in senior football.
England and Southgate cannot wait forever
With England finding the net on just two occasions in the group stage, there have been reasonable concerns raised about the balance of Southgate's side on the left flank.
Trippier - a natural right-footer - is not comfortable with marauding down the left wing, meaning that the Three Lions' attack has been funnelled predominantly down the right, slowing down the tempo and making them more predictable.
The only recognised left-back in Southgate's 26-man squad is Luke Shaw, who has not played a competitive match since February due to his latest injury problems.
Southgate originally stated that the Manchester United defender would be fit to earn some minutes in the group stage, but alas, the last 16 is upon England and Shaw is yet to take to the field.
Trippier is a capable deputy defensively as he carries out his responsibilities diligently at left-back, and although the thought of Shaw returning is an attractive one, England have little time to get the former Southampton man up the speed. body check tags ::
