Manchester United & Everton legend slams form of Newcastle United man ahead of England opener

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has described Kieran Trippier’s form for Newcastle United and England heading into Euro 2024 as ‘really poor’.

But he admits that the 33-year-old is likely to feature against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, in England’s opening game of the tournament. Trippier endured a difficult December on Tyneside and featured just three times in their last 11 games of the season after picking up a calf injury in early-March.

Despite this mini slump in form, he was still included in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad. Speaking on the Overlap, Rooney was asked if it was a ‘guarantee’ that Trippier would start the clash against Serbia, he responded: “It is, but for me he’s been really poor all season. He’s had injuries as well, but he’s been playing poorly. 

“I thought the other night against Iceland he was poor again. He has to play, but he hasn’t been playing well for Newcastle.”

Anthony Gordon, meanwhile, enjoyed a very good campaign for the Magpies and forced himself into Southgate’s plans. He even impressed during England’s defeat to Iceland with Rooney admitting that he would include him in his preferred starting XI for the tournament.

Speaking to Channel 4 ahead of that clash with Iceland, the Plymouth Argyle boss said: “I think since his move from Everton to Newcastle, I obviously did a similar thing in moving to Manchester United and got a bit of stick from the Everton fans with that move, but he’s settled really well at Newcastle and he’s brought a great creativity. 

“He’s fearless with the ball, works hard and I think he gives a great balance to the team. For me, he’s the right person to start on the left.”

England’s campaign in Germany begins at 8pm (BST) on Sunday when they face Serbia at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, home of Schalke 04.