Kieran Trippier has replaced Bukayo Saka in England’s start XI for the Euro 2020 final, with the Three Lions returning to a back three.
Trippier started his team’s first match in the tournament, a 1-0 victory against Croatia, but he has been reduced to a supporting role since then. In his only previous start of the competition, he was set as a left back in back four.
Your # ThreeLions team for tonight’s # EURO2020 final against Italy is here! ? pic.twitter.com/ET2q39DM4d
– England (@England) 11 July 2021
But this time, Trippier is set to occupy a right-back berth in a back three. England have used the system once before in Euro 2020, in their famous 2-0 victory against Germany in the round of 16.
To accommodate Trippier, Saka has sunk to the bench. The move comes as a surprise with the Arsenal kid seriously impressive in recent matches. He secured a man of the match award in England’s last group match against the Czech Republic and his cross also led to the equalizer against Denmark in the semifinals.
It is likely that Southgate will try to overthrow Italy’s left with the tactical tweak, an area where they have impressed so far.
Trippier’s introduction is the only change from XI that started England’s previous match against Denmark. This means that Jordan Pickford starts in goal behind a back three by Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire. In front of them are wingbacks Trippier and Luke Shaw, as well as midfielders Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips. Mason Mount, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling start in forward positions.
Our first XI for the # Euro2020Final! ? #VivoAzzurro #ITA #ITAENG # EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/dUCHvV9pEb
– Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@azzurri) July 11, 2021
At the same time, Italy’s manager Roberto Mancini has designated an unchanged side for the final. Gianluigi Donnarumma starts in goal with Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Emerson in the defense. Their midfield consists of Nicolo Barella, Jorginho and Marco Verratti while Federico Chiesa, Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne are in front.
