Kieran Trippier

The new Beckham? England's set-piece king Trippier earns comparison to Man Utd legend

Kieran Tripper has been likened to David Beckham by Rob Green, with the England wing-back starring at World Cup 2018 with his delivery from the flanks and set-pieces.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough year for club and country, with Tottenham having embraced his talents after selling Kyle Walker to Manchester City.

His consistency for Spurs brought him into the Three Lions fold during the countdown to Russia 2018, with Gareth Southgate having made him a regular since switching to 3-5-2.

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Trippier has repaid that show of faith with a number of eye-catching displays, with his crossing ability from open play and over a dead-ball drawing plenty of praise and comparisons to an iconic figure from England’s past.

Former Three Lions goalkeeper Green told BBC Radio 5 Live’s World Cup podcast: “Kieran Trippier is vital now, and I think he’s an integral part of the team all of a sudden.

“There was a question mark at the start of the tournament, who would start at right-wing back, and there’s no question now. 

“Not to make too much of an overstatement, but I would liken him to someone like David Beckham.

“When he was playing and you would say he wasn’t having the best of times, we were actually losing our key set-piece taker. 

“It’s a thought in your head as a manager or someone who’s making the decision saying ‘Well if we take him off or drop him, our set pieces are going to suffer’ because he’s that good.

“And I think he’s been an absolute revelation in the past two games. He was the best player against Tunisia. 

“I’m not sure how many assists he came up with [against Panama] but he was clearly on set pieces and they were a crucial part of the game.” 

Trippier was over the corner which led to John Stones’ opener for England in their 6-1 mauling of Panama.

He was replaced 20 minutes from the end of that contest, but Gareth Southgate is looking to protect key men for bigger tests to come after seeing his side book a last-16 spot with a game against Belgium to spare.

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