- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Will Gareth Southgate stick around for the World Cup?
- England suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final
- Kieran Trippier started every game for the Three Lions except for the showpiece
Kieran Trippier has refused to blame England Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain on tiredness and insisted the squad were among the fittest in the competition.
The Three Lions fell to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat on Sunday night thanks to goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.
The Berlin showpiece was the first game in England’s campaign that Trippier did not start after Gareth Southgate opted to go with Luke Shaw, who has only recently returned to full fitness, at left full-back.
After the clash, Southgate himself concluded that a ‘lack of energy’ was key contributor to the Three Lions’ defeat. But the Newcastle defender resisted that claim and pointed to the fine margins of international football.
‘The team that we’ve got is fit,’ the 33-year-old said. ‘If you see the running stats, I think we’re probably the highest in the whole tournament. So that’s not an excuse.
Kieran Trippier has refused to blame England’s Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain on tiredness
‘They [Spain] get the second goal and it’s always difficult when you’re chasing the game against a team like Spain.
‘Football is all about fine margins. It’s one of those where the lads gave everything.’
Having failed to achieve their ultimately goal, England’s campaign will undoubtedly be looked back upon with some regret. The early stages of their competition were marked by lacklustre displays.
Trippier came in for major criticism as he deputised for the injured Shaw on the left side of defence, while the team struggled to produce a coherent attack.
But England were able to grow in Germany as the tournament went on and they will look back with some fondness on unforgettable moments and impressive contributions from those making their major tournament debuts.
Trippier, who has been part of every major tournament squad under Southgate, believes that the likes of Manchester United youngster Kobbie, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins would have learned a lot from their experience in Germany.
And he applauded the effort of every member of the squad, even those who didn’t get any time on the pitch.
‘They will have learned a great deal from his tournament,’ he added. ‘The young players stepped up in big moments for us, Cole (Palmer) came on and scored, assisted Ollie (Watkins) in the last game.
The likes of Ollie Watkins (left) and Cole Palmer (right) made telling contributions for the Three Lions in Germany
‘Everyone has to be ready. I’ve been through this situation before. The young players can learn a lot from this. It will make them grow. But we’re disappointed that we didn’t win.
‘Spain are a top side with top quality players. Every single player gave absolutely everything, even the players need a mention that didn’t get a second on the pitch for what they brought to the team for the whole six, seven weeks that we were away. Everyone deserves huge credit.’
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