Gareth Southgate praises Newcastle’s ‘exceptional soldier’ ​​ahead of final dilemma

GARETH Southgate and England doctors plan to closely monitor Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier ahead of Sunday’s European Championship final against Spain.

Trippier was replaced by Luke Shaw at half-time in the dramatic semi-final win against the Netherlands on Wednesday night.

Shaw’s appearance on the bench against Switzerland in the quarter-finals was the first time the Manchester United full-back had seen action since suffering a hamstring injury in February.

With Shaw the only natural left-back selected by Southgate for the European Championships, Trippier covered his weaker side and Southgate was very impressed with the Newcastle player’s performances, particularly after some troublesome injuries he had suffered.

But the England boss now has to decide whether Trippier will be picked again on Sunday in Berlin if he is fit or whether he will bring Shaw into the side for his first start.

Asked for an update on Trippier’s fitness immediately after Wednesday night’s game, Southgate said: “I’m not sure. We didn’t want to take any risks.

“Kieran had a little problem. Hopefully he’ll be OK, but with him on the left flank it was a good time to bring Luke on.”

“We had in mind 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 the role he has, on the wrong side of the pitch, with the injuries he’s had coming into the tournament, is exceptional.”

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Southgate was delighted with England’s late display against the Netherlands but the much-criticised manager’s full focus has quickly shifted from a special semi-final triumph to the final against Spain.

England underwhelmed early in this summer’s tournament as fans turned against manager Southgate, but their performances gradually improved as they progressed through the qualifiers.

Jude Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick saved defeat in the last 16 against Slovakia and secured a 2-1 victory in extra time before defeating Switzerland on penalties after the quarter-finals finished 1-1.

A further 120 minutes were on the cards after Harry Kane’s controversial penalty had disallowed Xavi Simons’ goal, but substitute Ollie Watkins secured a 2-1 semi-final triumph late on.

“I took the job to try and improve English football and now we are in a second final,” Southgate said. “The last one was the first in 50 years. Now we are in the first one that is not played on our backs.

“I think we have a team that will be together for a long time, so it’s not like this is a team that has reached the end of a cycle.

“We’re giving people some incredible nights. I think we’ve given our fans some of the best nights in the last 50 years, so I’m really proud of that.

“I’m glad everyone at home is feeling the way we are and the way the fans in the stadium are feeling.

“But from our point of view, we are not done. We have the biggest test possible to prepare for and we came here to try and win the tournament, and that is still our goal.”

Watkins’ winning goal sparked wild celebrations in Dortmund and across England, with new Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Prince of Wales among those sending their congratulations.

The King praised Southgate’s side but urged them to avoid any more last-minute drama.

When told of Charles’ comments, the England manager said with a smile: “Well, I hope they’re really enjoying a few beers.

“We’ve had some incredible nights in the last seven, eight years. Those games were dramatic because the goals came very late.

“The only reason I did the job when I took it on was to try to bring success to England as a nation and try to improve English football.

“I am immensely proud to be able to take the team to its first final abroad.

“But now, of course, we came here to win. We play against the team that has been the best team in the tournament and we have one day less to prepare, so it is a huge task. But we are still here and we are fighting.”

Spain have been the standout team in this tournament, overcoming hosts Germany in the quarter-finals before defeating France in Tuesday’s semi-final.

England will be the underdogs at the Olympic Stadium in the final games Southgate’s side are expected to play after their unconvincing performances.

Boos were received for group stage draws against Denmark and Slovenia, with beer glasses even pointed at the coach after the latest draw in Cologne.

Southgate has admitted in recent days that he has been hurt by personal criticism, making moments like Wednesday’s semi-final all the sweeter.

“We all want to be loved, right? When you’re doing something for your country and you’re a proud Englishman, when you don’t get that back and all you read is criticism, it’s tough,” the England boss said.

“Being able to celebrate a second final is very, very special. Especially for the fans who travel.

“Our support on tours is incredible, the money they spend, the commitment to doing this, to be able to give them a night like this – and we’ve given them a few over the last six years, from Russia onwards – it means a lot.

“If I wasn’t on the grass, I’d be watching, celebrating like they were. We’re kindred spirits in many ways. Of course, I’m the one who has to pick a team.

“Being able to provide them with a night like this is very, very special.”