World Cup Analysis: Kieran Trippier is essential for England

England took on Nigeria yesterday, in an impressive 2-1 victory.

For a friendly, it was much-anticipated. Whether it be down to Nigeria’s fashion parade, or down to the football itself doesn’t matter. England proved they can match up to African opponents, as they look to in the group stage with Tunisia.

The game panned out well, as England secured two early goals. The first one by Gary Cahill, and the second by Harry Kane. However, the man I want to talk about is Kieran Trippier.

The Tottenham full-back certainly has range to his passing. His delivery, 99% of the time, is pinpoint, and always seems to find the feet of his target.

This could be essential for England in the World Cup, as a balanced approach could prove pivotal to any side. With the helps of the wing-backs, England could build themselves as a real attacking threat.

This is a new dynamic to those which Roy Hodgson and Fabio Capello shared during their days as England coach. They relied on a compact-midfield, although you can understand Capello’s choice given the midfielders available to him at the time.

What England needed was an injection of attacking flair, and Trippier adds just that. If most of the play runs through the right hand side, you can guarantee plenty of delicious balls will be floated into the box for the likes of Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy.

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These two strikers can certainly get on the end of things, as well as the renowned space-exploiter in Dele Alli.

Before Trippier’s sudden surge, England deployed former teammate Kyle Walker in this position. While he was excellent, it isn’t what the Three Lions needed.

He was electrifying to watch as his sudden turns of pace dumbfounded the opposition, but his attacking input was minimal at times.

This is why it’s a good idea by Gareth Southgate to move Walker into a back three, and allow Trippier the time and space to float balls into the box.

England will face a familiar 2014 opponent in Costa Rica on Thursday, and I hope to see Trippier play again. While it would be understandable to rest him, he’s been in impressive form for England in recent matches so shooting his confidence sky-high before the World Cup would be ideal.

Next: Top 10 stars who will play in their last World Cup this summer

Do you think Kieran Trippier can play a big part in England’s quest this summer, and if so, how far do you think the country will go?