‘He’s an outstanding footballer’: BT pundit thinks £12m Newcastle United star would play for most countries

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It was a bad night for Gareth Southgate as he saw another potential England right-back come off with an injury.

Chelsea’s Reece James limped off against AC Milan, but this could be good news for a Newcastle United player.

While assessing the game on BT Sport’s Champions League Tonight (11/10 10:02pm), Joe Cole sang the praises of Kieran Trippier.

Cole claimed that Trippier would play for most countries going to next month’s World Cup.

Trippier has already become a hero at St. James’ Park for his performances on Tyneside, since arriving for £12m from Atletico Madrid.

The 32-year-old was part of the team that turned Newcastle’s fortunes around last season as they raced away from the relegation zone.

His impact was immediate, and when he fractured his metatarsal four games after arriving at the club he was already considered a massive loss.

Trippier is now fully fit again and wearing the captain’s armband at Newcastle when Jamaal Lascelles is absent.

Cole has claimed that Trippier would play for most countries, but the only one he’ll be worried about is England

Cole: ‘Trippier would play for most countries’

Southgate called up four players who can play at right-back to his latest England squad.

However, Trippier is now the only one who hasn’t picked up an injury.

Cole believes this shouldn’t be a worry given Trippier’s quality.

“The only positive is (of the other defenders being injured), if we have to play Trippier, he’s an outstanding footballer. He’d play for most countries.” Cole said.

“He’s a fantastic player. But the balance at the back (is a worry).”

Trippier has been ever present this season as Newcastle begin to look up the table.

He already has a goal and an assist to his name, and has proved his worth from dead ball situations.

His goal came against Manchester City and was a peach of a free-kick.

Only James Ward-Prowse has created more chances from set-pieces this season than Kieran Trippier.

It’s an asset that England would be thrilled to have, especially considering how many goals they tend to score from set-pieces.

Trippier himself will be fondly remembered for his wonderful free-kick that put England ahead in the World Cup semi-final.

Most countries would love to have the sort of delivery Trippier is capable of available to them.

Southgate needs to decide on his squad soon, and the Newcastle defender should be involved.