Southgate updates on Trippier's fitness ahead of Slovenia match

In preparation for their Euro 2024 fixture against Slovenia, England manager Gareth Southgate and a team member held a press conference, discussing the team's upcoming match. The squad, including all 26 players, participated in a training session ahead of their final group game, with Luke Shaw making a return after being sidelined due to a hamstring injury since February. Despite Shaw's unexpected inclusion in the squad, Southgate faces selection challenges as he aims to find the right balance for the team. Trent Alexander-Arnold's performance in midfield has been under scrutiny, while optimizing the talents of Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane in the starting lineup presents a dilemma. The Three Lions currently hold four points from their first two matches and are set to face Slovenia in Cologne, with the objective of securing the top spot in Group C on Tuesday night. Southgate's concerns are compounded by Kieran Trippier's calf issue, adding to the left-back problems at Euro 2024. Trippier, who usually plays as a right-back for Newcastle, has been filling in on the left due to Shaw's absence, with Southgate considering rotating him to manage the veteran's workload. However, England's lackluster performances in the initial games have prevented Trippier from being substituted, raising defensive concerns if he were to sustain an injury. As Southgate navigates the team's challenges, Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez are potential replacements for Trippier if the manager decides to rest him for the upcoming match against Slovenia. The press conference shed light on the intricate decisions facing Southgate as he strives to lead England to success in the tournament, with the team's performance and player fitness playing crucial roles in their campaign. With the group stage nearing its conclusion, Southgate's tactical choices and player management will be closely scrutinized as England aims to progress further in Euro 2024.