Kieran Trippier takes long route to World Cup but still delivers the goods

Right wing-back honed his crossing ability by studying videos of Pirlo and Beckham, and it is paying dividends

Mid-afternoon in Repino, the drizzle setting in outside, and Kieran Trippier is busy digesting a list of elite names. It is topped by Neymar, out on his own with 16 chances created for his Brazil teammates at the World Cup, with Kevin De Bruyne, such a force of nature in the Premier League, three back in second place.

Yet breathing down the Belgian’s neck, one further chance behind, is England’s find of the tournament. “Not bad for a Bury lad,” he says, stifling a chuckle, before seeking to credit others for his impact. It must be down to the formation, or to his teammates. Trippier is too modest to take credit for his own excellence.

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