Analysis of England’s Right-Back Options Heading into Euro 2020

There were jeers and grumbles of discontent when Gareth Southgate named four right-backs in his 26-man squad for the Euros, with a section of supporters believing it to be an unfathomable decision, while some were dissecting the purpose of each player within the setup. Of course, England switching to a three-back system would have paid homage to Southgate’s peculiar decision, with Kyle Walker a capable make-shift centre back - as seen at the 2018 World Cup - and one of Trent Alexander Arnold, Reece James and Kieran Trippier in the right wing-back role.

Southgate’s armoury of full-backs serve a variety of purposes and Trippier has been no stranger to the experimentation and versatility that has been required in England’s first two warm-up matches. The absence and part absence of Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw after their respective European exploits has seen Trippier play the full ninety minutes at left-back in England’s win over Austria, before sharing the responsibility with the returning Shaw in their victory over Romania. 

Player Analysis: Ben Chilwell

Although Trippier is unlikely to feature in a more unfamiliar left-back role in the tournament, the decision to take four multifaceted right-backs is beginning to pay dividends for Southgate. Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of the main points of controversy ahead of the whittled down 26-man squad announcement, but he is now cursing lady luck after sustaining a thigh injury against Austria, ending his tournament before it has even begun.