Southgate left sweating over Trippier’s availability for Slovenia tie

• Kieran Trippier was ruled out for two months earlier this year due to injury 
• Gareth Southgate had hoped to rest Trippier in the early stages of Euro 2024 
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Kieran Trippier has been carrying a calf issue as Gareth Southgate’s left back issues at the Euro 2024 intensify.

Southgate will be mindful of the problem heading into the game versus Slovenia with any injury to Trippier creating huge defensive issues given Luke Shaw’s current unavailability.

Trippier, who plays at right back for Newcastle, has played at left-back while Shaw recovers from the hamstring injury that has kept him out for five months.

Sources claim Southgate had hoped to substitute Trippier in one of the first two group games to rest the 33-year-old.

But England’s uninspiring start has meant that Trippier – one of England’s most experienced players – has had to stay on the field.

Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez will be in line to replace Trippier if Southgate chooses to rotate him on Tuesday.