Newcastle United star could earn recall in England’s World Cup quarter final clash with France

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has been backed to play a key role in England’s eagerly-anticipated World Cup quarter-final meeting with France.

The Magpies full-back has impressed during the first part of the Premier League season and was rewarded with starts with England’s first two games of the tournament against Iran and the United States. But the recall of Kyle Walker saw Trippier limited to a substitute appearance in the final group stage game against Wales and he was an unused substitute in Sunday’s round-of-16 win against Senegal.

That win meant Gareth Southgate’s side will now meet the reigning World champions for a place in the semi-finals on Saturday night. The French possess a whole host of threats, with Paris Saint-German star Kylian Mbappe firmly establishing himself as a successor to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the world’s greatest player.

The forward has already scored five goals in four appearances at the tournament and netted a stunning brace in Sunday’s 3-1 win against Poland. His form has led to speculation Southgate could switch to a three-man defence to combat the threat posed by Mbappe, with Walker playing as a right-sided centre-back and Trippier recalled to play at wing-back.

Former Newcastle star Warren Barton believes England can pull off what would be a remarkable win against a side many believe will because the first in history to win consecutive World Cups - and he insisted Trippier could help nullify the threat of Mbappe to help his side secure a semi-final place.

He told Sky Sports News: “You start believing now. You start thinking this will be a huge test, we keep talking about France but it’s going to be a big test for them. You look at our players, Foden, Saka, Rashford has been coming on and has been a difference-maker. We aren’t a bad team either and I think what Gareth has been able to do is have that spirit in the camp, they believe in each other and he’s kept them close. When you have that spirit and connection, that’s all so dangerous.

“Look, Mbappe is undoubtedly the most dangerous player at this tournament so far, but Kyle Walker can do a decent job with him and Trippier can help him out, nullify that. I’m a bit worried about Dembele on the right-hand side because he’s electric as well, but I really fancy our chances. It may go to extra-time, as long as it doesn’t go to penalties I’ll be happy, but we have a good chance and so have they. It’s difficult to call, but what a great game.”

England’s quarter-final meeting with France will be broadcast live on ITV at 6pm on Saturday evening.