Gareth Southgate hails 'exceptional' Newcastle man for playing through the pain last night

Gareth Southgate had a difficult choice to make last night when selecting his England team to take on the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final.

Luke Shaw had made a return to action in the game against Switzerland and was tipped to get the nod ahead of Newcastle United fullback Kieran Trippier on the left hand side.

However, when the team sheet was revealed, Trippier, who has started every game at the tournament so far, was once again selected.

Trippier would be given just 45 minutes, however, as Luke Shaw took over duties for the second half.

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Trippier is carrying a knock that needs to be assessed before Sunday

Shaw is just coming back from a five-month absence and Southgate has hinted that Trippier is not 100% but he went on to call him a 'soldier' but claimed he'll have to assess his fitness before Sunday's final as he told the Athletic.

“We didn’t want to take any chances [with Trippier].

“We had it in our minds that we would bring Luke into the game at some point. It was better to bring him into the game than to start the game and not be able to finish it.

“We’ll have to see how Tripps is. He’s been an absolute soldier for us. To fill in the way he has, on the wrong side of the pitch, with the injuries he’s had coming into the tournament, is exceptional.”

Fingers crossed that Trippier gets some minutes in the final

Trippier did have moments where he looked completely off the pace last night and that could explain it, however, he also had a lot more impact going forward than he's had all tournament too.

It would be a shame for Trippier to have started every game and then to miss out on the final, so fingers crossed whatever knock he's carrying isn't too serious, and whatever Southgate's plans are with Shaw for Sunday, they also include some minutes for Tripps.

It would also be very nice if Anthony Gordon could add to his playing time. The lad's potentially going to have a winner's medal that barely feels as well earned as any of Kalvin Phillips' medals.