Kieran Trippier is a surefire England starter at the World Cup – his Newcastle gamble has paid off

Kieran Trippier’s gamble has paid off.

In January he was the first to take Eddie Howe’s call but swapping Atletico Madrid and La Liga for a relegation fight that Newcastle were far from certain to win looked like an almighty risk.

Jumping into a survival battle 12 months shy of a World Cup where your position is the one where England boast the most strength in depth? To some it felt suspiciously like he was waving a white flag on his international hopes, prepared to exchange them for the riches on offer at a newly-minted Newcastle.

But Trippier had been vastly underestimated. He backed his talent, committing to Newcastle without the guarantee of a relegation release clause before rolling up his sleeves to lead from the back as the Magpies first survived and then prospered in the Premier League.

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Twice in the space of a few days he has blunted players with the pace of enterprise to turn games. But on Sunday Jadon Sancho couldn’t get a kick against him and on Wednesday he stood up to the challenge of nullifying Demarai Gray, Everton’s tyro.

Injuries to Reece James and Kyle Walker – who still hopes to make the World Cup – mean he is virtually assured of a starting role when England kick off their campaign against Iran on 21 November. But there’s a compelling case that even if that pair hadn’t suffered knocks, Trippier might be one propelled by most form ahead of Qatar.

Only those looking through the red lenses of Liverpool would argue that he doesn’t deserve to start the tournament. For all that there was outrage on Merseyside when Gareth Southgate compared Trent Alexander-Arnold unfavourably to Trippier, the latter has form, fitness and experience on his side. While he doesn’t have the natural attacking gifts of the Liverpool teenager, he is a more solid option.

He is a leader in the Newcastle pack too, jumping to the aid of Dan Burn after he clashed with Anthony Gordon. “I’m delighted with him,” Howe said of Trippier’s contribution.

“I thought he was excellent against Everton, very aggressive in his defending in the first half especially and an outlet at times on that right hand side. In and out of possession he was first class. My focus isn’t England but he has been outstanding for Newcastle.”

This is, after all, a Newcastle side helmed by a manager written off as being unable to coordinate a defence. Now Howe has overseen a Newcastle back four that has ceded just nine goals all season.

It is why they are on course for Europe – even if the manager refuses to encourage that talk just yet.

“I don’t think we’re looking at longer term targets yet, we’re just trying to give our best in every game,” he said. “I know that’s not the answer you want to hear but we’re not putting any pressure on ourselves other than doing our best and trying to win every game.”

They play Spurs on Sunday, where Trippier will relish the chance to flex his muscles against a former side.

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