England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed that Kieran Trippier has been dropped from the squad for the forthcoming Nations League finals after struggling to keep up with the competition. The Tottenham Hotspur ace had a wonderful World Cup with the Three Lions last summer, but he has not been able to replicate the showing in the 10 months which have proceeded.

Speaking in a press conference, Southgate acknowledged that Trippier was a pivotal figure at last summer’s World Cup where the Three Lions reached the semi-final stage. He added that the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker have performed much better than Trippier during the course of the current season and that has contributed to the decision to omit him.

He said: “Kieran Trippier has had such a big impact, he had such a brilliant World Cup. He has been a really valuable member of our squad and has a great attitude with us, real passion in playing for England but Trent (Alexander-Arnold) and Kyle (Walker) have finished the season so strongly. So it is a position where we have got real competition for places. That is as hard a decision as we have had to make.”

Trippier has been in-and-out of the Spurs lineup on different occasions this term but he is widely expected to start the Champions League final against Liverpool this weekend, considering Serge Aurier is on the sidelines while Kyle Walker-Peters has yet to gain sufficient experience at the European stage.

Irrespective of that game, Trippier’s future with the north London club remains under consideration for the summer with reports emerging that Napoli could make an approach to pursue him. The former Burnley man has been valued at around £23m and his proposed sale could enable Spurs to secure a young replacement, who can stay put for the long-term.