How Newcastle United leader can ‘unlock’ Jude Bellingham’s potential for England at Euro 2024

Former Chelsea and Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge believes Kieran Trippier at left-back would give Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden “licence” to get forward this summer.

England are among the favourites for Euro 2024 and kick off their campaign next Sunday (June 16) against Serbia. Having come within a penalty shoot-out of ending the trophy curse last time, the Three Lions hope to go one better in Germany.

Newcastle United have two representatives - Trippier and Anthony Gordon - in England’s 26-man squad. Both Toon stars stand a chance of starting the opener with Serbia, with Gordon, especially in red-hot form following an impressive campaign on Tyneside.

However, Trippier is the player with more international experience as the upcoming Euros will be his fourth major tournament. The 33-year-old is one of Gareth Souhtgate’s most trusted lieutenants and, providing Luke Shaw remains injured, will likely start against Serbia.

Ex-England international Bridge has called that a good thing - tipping Trippier’s inclusion to benefit the attack-minded players further up the pitch. He told Goal: "I’d play Luke Shaw if he is fit, but it would have been nice to have some backup. Kieran Trippier can play there, but it’s not natural for him. 

“At right-back, he overlaps naturally but he’s not as comfortable doing that at left-back. If Trippier does start at left-back over Shaw, then that does allow England to play with one holding midfielder instead of two because Trippier would be getting forward less.

“That gives licence to Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to play higher up the field if they both complete the midfield three. That would be my way of looking at it.”