Kieran Trippier is a title winner loved by iconic manager and deserves his England spot

Trent Alexander-Arnold made it into England's Euro 2020 squad but Tripper found himself dragged into the argument about the Liverpool star's chances.

Just weeks after helping his side beat Barcelona and Real Madrid to a LaLiga title, the ex-Tottenham ace was having his qualities questioned.

Nobody envies Southgate. Ask anyone to name their 26-man squad and it's likely you'll get a unique set of players every time.

We all personally value differing qualities, while we also have our opinions on the attributes players have.

And yet here sits Trippier, on the back of an incredible season, which also had it tough moments, seeing his place in the group queried.

As one of four right-backs in the squad, many will feel he is the weakest option - but he is every bit as deserving of his place as Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker and Reece James.

It was with the 30-year-old that England peaked back in that long hot summer of 2018.

His pinpoint free-kick against Croatia in the World Cup semi-final saw pints and people go flying around England.

The former Burnley star had a stellar tournament on the back of a sparkling campaign for Spurs, providing a functional threat from right wing-back.

He's not the greatest at taking on a player and won't always be the no. 1 in certain metrics but he's performed a vital role as a progressive passer for Southgate.

We often consider in football that it's all about positions, as the arguments about picking four right-backs proves, and yet really it's roles which matter more.

Trippier helped the Three Lions side tick in 2018 and his ability at set-pieces shouldn't be doubted given his history.

Let's not forget that while he was progressing at Burnley he had two season of 10+ assists in the Championship, and this campaign he's got six for Atletico.

Manager Diego Simeone has previously praised his 'quality and precision' and, according to The Guardian, not even the Argentine and his coaching staff expected him to make such a big impact in Spain.

The fact Trippier himself sees similarities in his club and national team bosses also speaks volumes.

"The style of play, tactically Gareth's brilliant so is Simeone," he said. "They've got similarities, the way they set the teams up and the way they are as characters.

"A little bit different character-wise because Simeone is just absolutely crazy, as you can see on the touchline, sprinting down the tunnel when we won the other day, but both fantastic managers."

The many who argue that Alexander-Arnold is far superior should perhaps remember how important Trippier has been this year for his club side.

Banned for breaking betting rules, Ateltico failed to keep a clean sheet in seven successive matches when he started his suspension.

Trippier averaged 3.78 successful tackles and interceptions per 90 for the Spaniards last season - behind just Saul Niguez of Simeone's regular starters.

He was fourth for tackles won, while ranking third for loose balls recovered, impressive defensive contributions, while also having an impact in the final third.

The Englishman made more passes into the penalty area per 90 than any of his teammates, more progressive passes,

Oh, and he wasn't booked once in LaLiga all season.

Perhaps instead of constantly comparing the stars who are set to wear the Three Lions with pride, we should appreciate their individual qualities.

Whether you prefer him to Alexander-Arnold, James, Walker or not, Trippier helped England get to the World Cup semi-finals, Tottenham to the Champions League final, and won a LaLiga title.

It's time to celebrate Trippier and what he can give England at Euro 2020.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 will have live commentary of EVERY game of Euro 2020. You won't miss a thing as we bring you round the clock coverage, reaction and analysis from June 11-July 11. Listen online HERE.

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