Former Chelsea defender launches bizarre attack on Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has launched a bizarre attack on Newcastle United star Kieran Tripper ahead of England versus France.

The Three Lions face Les Bleus in the last eight of the Qatar World Cup tonight (kick-off 7pm) and Trippier is tipped to return to the starting XI should Gareth Southgate switch to a back five.

So far this tournament, Southgate has persisted with a back four. Trippier started the opening two games, however, Kyle Walker’s return to fitness has seen the Manchester City man get the nod instead.

Indeed, there was a moment in England’s 6-2 win over Iran that Leboeuf has taken issue with Trippier over. It’s quite bizarre, to say the least.

“Football has just changed so much in recent years and that lack of physicality in the game is the reason I’m less interested in it right now,’ Leboeuf told Ladbrokes at the launch of their World Cup Free-To-Play Halftime Quiz.

“You saw in England’s opener against Iran, Kieran Trippier was complaining about somebody stepping on his toes. It’s something you’ll see probably 10 times a game nowadays, and I can’t believe it.

“Maybe they’ve completely changed the fabrics of the boots or something, but that never, ever happened in my time. A player would step on your foot, for sure, and you’d say, ‘Wow, okay, that hurts’. But you’d get on with it and maybe do it back to him next time.

“But now, someone steps on your toe and it’s this huge deal and the game stops to check you’re okay. It’s completely different.’