Kieran Trippier Calls Out Gareth Southgate’s Excuse for England’s Euro 2024 Defeat
It’s safe to say that Kieran Trippier is not buying what Gareth Southgate is selling. After England’s disappointing defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the Three Lions’ boss pointed to the team’s fatigue as a major factor in their loss. But Trippier, a key player for England throughout the tournament, has rejected that excuse out of hand.
"Physically, I think we’re fine," Trippier said in a post-match interview. "If you look at the running stats, I think we’re one of the highest in the tournament. So, that’s not an excuse."
Instead, Trippier pointed to the simple fact that England came up just short in a game that was decided by a single goal. "It’s one of those where the lads gave everything, and it’s football, it’s all about fine margins," he said.
Of course, it’s easy to say that when you’re on the outside looking in, but Trippier’s point is well-taken. England’s players, many of whom were making their major tournament debuts, can’t be faulted for lack of effort or commitment.
In fact, Trippier believes that this experience will ultimately be a positive for the team. "The young players stepped up in big moments for us," he said. "They can learn a lot from this. It will make them grow."
The Verdict: England Must Learn to Win Big Games
As Trippier himself acknowledged, this defeat is a major disappointment for England. But it’s not the end of the world, and it’s certainly not the end of the world for this talented young team.
In fact, this experience could be a turning point for England. As Jude Bellingham, another young star of the tournament, pointed out, "There are reasons for that and I’m sure as a team going forward we will analyse it. It’s a young group still and it’s really disappointing because at some point we do have to deliver."
But deliver they will, eventually. And when they do, it will be all the sweeter for the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
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