England coach, Gareth Southgate has no choice than to release two full backs, Kieran Trippier and Ben Chilwell from the camp ahead of tonight’s UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark at Wembley.
Trippier was in action for the Three Lions in their 2-1 win over Belgium. The Athletico Madrid defender was described by Southgate as a warrior after playing left wing-back against the number one ranked team.
He was released by the coach to face a betting charge, while Chilwell is believed to have suffered a foot injury.
With the duo out of his squad, his other options is that position include Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Bukayo Saka. But the former is likely to fill in against Denmark.
Trippier could be banned for six months if found guilty of betting charge he has to face in England. The full-back must attend a Football Association disciplinary hearing by video conference to answer charges relating to the breaking of betting rules. This has been described as a distraction by the England manager.
The defender allegedly breached the rule during July of last year, which was the same month that he moved from Tottenham to Atlético Madrid for £20m. He denied placing any bets himself or profit from bets made by other people.
Unfortunately, the hearing is coming up during his participation for his country in a crucial game. However, the FA is yet to confirm the date of the hearing.
‘Unnecessary reaction’
This has made Southgate to admit that he had no control over it, leaving him in a jam as Chilwell has also been forced to withdraw from the squad.
Chilwell, who recently joined Chelsea missed England’s wins over Wales and Belgium after breaching the government’s coronavirus “rule of six” and also suffered from a minor illness.
Also in doubt is Eric Dier, who has a hamstring problem. He is set to be replaced in the middle of the back three by Conor Coady.
“There is not a lot I can say about it really, it is not something which is in my control.If I lose focus on the job in hand – there are a million distractions, frankly – so this is another distraction but it is something I have got to plough on through.
“We haven’t got him. I’ve known, I spoke with Kieran last week and the situation is what it is. We’d have liked to have had Kieran available, we haven’t, so this is an opportunity for somebody else. The less I say the better. But what is clear is I don’t have any influence on the disciplinary procedure, which I think is correct. I can’t be influencing when things happen or how they play out,” Southgate said of Trippier’s absence.
Jose Mourinho vs Southgate clashes over Kane
Meanwhile, Southgate is expected to start skipper, Harry Kane against the Danes. The manager said the Tottenham Hotspurs striker is fully fit after his fitness issue last week.
Kane, a few days ago felt muscle fatigue in his thigh and could not train properly. He was only used as a substitute against Belgium on Sunday as a result.
However, this didn’t go down well with his manager at Spurs, José Mourinho, who felt extremely concerned about the prospect of him starting against Denmark.
Recovering right. Making sure we’re ready to go again against Denmark 👊 pic.twitter.com/xJnHNiBIyT
— England (@England) October 12, 2020
But Southgate suggested that there was nothing to worry about. With that, Kane will be flanked in the attack by Marcus Rashford, who became an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours listing.
