Gary Neville shares theory on England tactics ahead of Scotland Euro 2020 clash

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For England 's 1-0 win over Croatia in their opening Euro 2020 game, manager Gareth Southgate shocked many when he opted to start right-back Kieran Trippier on the left ahead of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell.

Despite playing out of position, Trippier did help England keep a clean sheet and Southgate explained ahead of the game that he had opted for the Atletico Madrid star because of his experience.

"Well with Kieran, we feel he is a very experienced player, he did well against one player to stop crosses coming in," he said.

"His communication and leadership I think will be a help. We have got changes in the backline and I think his experience will help us with the two boys who are out of the squad, including Harry Maguire."

Speaking after the victory, Southgate talked up Trippier as a "defensive animal", saying: "What Kieran has, firstly, is hugely underestimated.

"I think people are still seeing the lad that was at Spurs a couple of years ago and not the defensive animal that has grown at Atletico Madrid, trusted by one of the best and most successful coaches in the world [Diego Simeone].

"He gets his distances right on cover, he’s good one-v-one to stop crosses, and his talking is really good.

"We had a back four, there was always going to have changes in it on Sunday and we felt that communication, that organisation was an important part.

"We’ll look at every opponent, we’ll look at our team for every game. I think we have to have flexibility."

With England due to face Scotland in their second group game on Friday, Gary Neville has said he believes Southgate's comments suggest he will stick with Tierney at left-back.

Taking to Twitter, Neville wrote: "Listening to GS [Gareth Southgate] i feel he will stick with KT [Kieran Trippier] at left back.

"He referenced the solidity of the French team. That made me feel he wants a more narrow back 4 and one that sticks together when in possession.

"This would change if we were losing but not sure it’s a temporary measure".

• Gareth Southgate
• Gary Neville
• England Football Team

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