England fans are in uproar on social media after Gareth Southgate’s England team was leaked by The Athletic earlier on Sunday. The Three Lions kick off their tournament against Croatia but doubts over the team have already begun to surface among supporters after the leaked team news revealed worrying exclusions.
Southgate, who has two world-class left-backs in his squad, disgruntled fans when news broke that neither Luke Shaw or Ben Chilwell were set to start the game. Instead, 30-year-old right-back Kieran Trippier was given the nod to play on the left side of defence.
Jack Grealish was another notable absentee from the team – the Aston Villa forward has impressed since his return from injury and was England’s best player in both of their warm-up games. Instead, Raheem Sterling is set to take up the left flank.
Trippier starts at LB apparently 😂🤣😂
Southgate is useless, the man is so far out of his depth he sleeps on the Titanic 😂🤣🤣— Matt Taylor (@MattTay68) June 13, 2021
England's best hope of winning the Euros is getting the best out of Jack Grealish. He has the X factor. Raheem Sterling's predictability and lack of football IQ just won't get it done if Gareth Southgate leads his team into the quarter-finals#ENGCRO #ENG
— Mark Flanagan (@TheMarkFlanagan) June 13, 2021
Wait so after weeks of the Chilwell/Shaw debate, Southgate has gone with Trippier at left back instead?
— Alexei (@MUFC_redarmy99) June 13, 2021
Playing Trippier at LB and not playing Grealish is about as Gareth Southgate as Gareth Southgate can get.
— ⚽️💙Shelly💙⚽️ (@danapond42) June 13, 2021
How Tyrone mings starts is beyond me along with trippier at lb..don't even start on Sterling ahead of grealish seriously Southgate has so much talent yet plays shite
— Chris O Brien (@Chrisob1985) June 13, 2021
Grealish fit and doesn’t start? arrest Southgate
— tk (@teekayworldwide) June 13, 2021
Supporters are outraged by the team news but will be hoping that the chosen eleven can lead their team to a first opening victory in European Championships. It would be the first time an England side win their first game of the tournament, failing to do so in all previous attempts.
Southgate’s side are still heavily favourites to win their group and will be expected to go far, and those left out will be intent on making a difference from the bench.
Read more: Diogo Dalot receives late Portugal call-up after Man City star withdraws
