Trippier hoping to create history

Warren Ashurst
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July 6th 2021, 4:43 pm
Last Updated 3 years ago
Trippier hoping to create history

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England full-back Kieran Trippier says he hopes his side can cement their legacy as they prepare to face Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-final.

The Three Lions have reached a second successive major tournament semi-final for the first time since 1968 after their 4-0 dismantling of Ukraine in the quarter-final at Roma’s Stadio Olimpico.

It has been a largely very successful tournament for Gareth Southgate’s squad so far.

England won the group with seven points from a possible nine after 1-0 wins against Croatia and the Czech Republic as well as a goalless draw with arch-rivals Scotland.

There were some complaints about the perceived unadventurous approach to those games but the round of 16 match against Germany certainly quelled those complaints.

Late strikes from Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane sealed a historic victory against Die Mannschaft before the 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine where Kane bagged two more.

Now, England are one step away from their first final since 1966 where they could face Italy or Spain.

Trippier, who scored a stunning free-kick against Croatia in the World Cup semi-final three years ago, says the team’s young talent can drive them success and help make history.

“We are in a position now where we just want to create our own history. That’s all we want to do.

“There are only maybe six or seven of us from the World Cup team. We’ve got so much good young talent.

“It is there for everyone to see the attacking players we’ve got. I think we’ve taken that step forward from 2018”.

It was an agonising defeat in Russia three years ago when Croatia came back to win in extra time.

Ivan Perisic’s goal ensured there would be an extra half an hour and Mario Mandzukic grabbed what ultimately proved to be the winner in Moscow.

The Atletico Madrid man says that England won’t let the Wembley occasion get to them, despite the fact there is arguably more pressure this time around.

“I don’t get nervous,” the 30-year-old said. “I’ve played in a lot of big games now, so when I come into semi-finals it’s just excitement. You are seeing the place, you are seeing the whole nation.

“Everyone is buzzing and it’s just good to see smiles on everyone’s faces and after the year-and-a-half that we’ve all had it’s good to them all smiling again.”

Trippier has featured three times for England during the tournament so far.

He started at left-back against Croatia in the opening game despite the inclusion in the squad of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell before being dropped to the bench.

He then played at right-wing-back against Germany before appearing as a substitute for Shaw against Ukraine.

Southgate has been willing to show tactical flexibility throughout the tournament and he may opt to go for a back three against Denmark to match up with their formation.

It could lead to a recall for the La Liga winner if that is the case.

Otherwise, there are no fresh injury doubts as Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is set to be welcomed back to the squad after missing the Ukraine contest.

Warren Ashurst

Warren has been employed as a sport journalist for over two decades and as well as years of written experience, has also worked in other areas of the media including radio and television. Football has always been his number one passion and has covered both domestic and international level.