Tottenham Hotspur duo Harry Winks and Kieran Trippier have been dropped from England’s Uefa Nations League squad.
The pair will play no part against the Netherlands in next month’s semi-final after being told they are not needed by Gareth Southgate.
However, the reasons for each player’s absence are quite different.
Put simply, Trippier has been dropped because of his lack of form and due to the fact there are two right-backs currently playing better than him.
Former Spurs defender Kyle Walker and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold finished the season strongly and will fight for a place in the team against Holland.
Trippier has struggled for consistency this term after shining for England at last summer’s World Cup.
He now faces the difficult task of winning his place back for Euro 2020.
Meanwhile, Winks has been left out because of concerns over his fitness despite the fact he has returned to training with Tottenham.
The midfielder hasn’t played since early April and underwent groin surgery after suffering an injury against Manchester City in the Champions League.
Southgate confirmed Winks wouldn’t be able to report for England duty until after the Champions League final, so the necessary checks on his fitness would come too late.
It’s a shame for Winks, but he is more likely to win back his place in the squad than Trippier.
