Surprise player 'first in line' to replace Kieran Trippier for England vs Slovakia

England manager Gareth Southgate is sweating on the fitness of Kieran Trippier ahead of Sunday's Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia.

England reached the last 16 of the competition by winning Group C, albeit in unconvincing fashion.

The Three Lions narrowly beat Serbia before drawing with Denmark and Slovenia to win the group with just five points.

They will now take on Slovakia, who finished third in Group E, in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

Newcastle defender Trippier is a major doubt for the match after struggling with a calf injury which impacted the end of his domestic seasons with the Magpies.

He missed training on Tuesday and again when England conducted a full session behind closed doors on Friday.

Trippier started all three group games in Germany and his loss would be a major blow for Southgate, who is already light at left-back.

Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett has now provided an update on Trippier's chances of facing Slovakia.

"Kieran Trippier missed #england training again today, I'm told, as he nurses calf injury," Dorsett tweeted on Friday night.

"A doubt for Last 16 game on Sunday, but Southgate hopeful he can still start.

"Kobbie Mainoo for Conor Gallagher may be only change, as England boss resists calls for changes."

Dorsett later confirmed that Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa would likely start for England against Slovakia if Trippier failed to pass a fitness test.

"Ezri Konsa is first in line as a makeshift left back, if Trippier is not fit to start, ahead of Joe Gomez," he tweeted.

Ezri Konsa could start for England against Slovakia (Image: Getty)

It would appear to confirm that Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is not yet fit enough to start despite returning to full training with England.

Phil Foden took a full part in training on Friday after returning to the camp after two days back in England with his partner, following the birth of their third child.

The Manchester City star is expected to be available for selection in a major boost for Southgate.

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated transfer news channel to send you the latest deals, rumours and more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.