‘A big risk’ - Man Utd legend makes big claim on Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier’s England hopes

Gary Neville has thrown his weight behind Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier’s bid to make England’s World Cup Finals squad.

The Magpies defender has made a big impression since moving to Tyneside in a reported £12m deal from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid last January.  Trippier scored two goals in first four appearances for United before a metatarsal injury limited his to just two more appearances before the end of the season.

However, the former Spurs full-back has come to the fore during the early months of his first full season at St James Park with a string of consistent performances.  That has boosted his claims to start for England at the World Cup Finals in Qatar next month and injuries to Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold have further enhanced his chances of getting the nod.

Despite being a firm favourite of Gareth Southgate, there have been some suggestions Trippier should miss out - but former Manchester United defender Neville insisted it would be ‘a big risk’ for the England manager to leave the Magpies star out of his squad.

“You think about why Trippier gets in (the England squad),” Neville told Sky Sports Premier League.

“People say ‘why does Trippier get in, we don’t need three right-backs. We don’t need four right-backs’. It’s because he scores from free-kicks. In the big games when it’s tight and there is a struggle. They are the defining moments.

“Gareth (Southgate) proved that in 2018 in Russia. I think it will be the same in Qatar, when those big moments will be determined by those penalties and free-kicks. To not have him there, it would be a big risk.”