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Exclusive: Trippier lauds England system after Panama rout

John Stones scored England’s first goal against Panama from Kieran Trippier’s corner. (GETTY)
John Stones scored England’s first goal against Panama from Kieran Trippier’s corner. (GETTY)

Kieran Trippier lauded England’s new 3-5-2 system after Gareth Southgate’s men thrashed Panama 6-1 in Nizhny Novgorod, and he also highlighted the impact a new physiologist is having on the team.

A Harry Kane hat-trick helped England seal their progression to the last 16 of the World Cup with a game to spare, breaking their record for the most goals scored in a World Cup match in the process.

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Trippier again impressed as right wing-back, registering his first assist of the tournament when whipping in a pinpoint corner for John Stones to head England’s opener. He admitted feeling at home in England’s new formation, while being happy to contribute from set pieces.

“It is a good system to play in, with the players that we have got,” Trippier said. “Today was a good win and we look forward to Belgium now.

“First of all it is about getting picked, and I just try and create as much as I can, especially in this system as I can get forward and try and help out and chip in. I love this formation in the 3-5-2.

“Set pieces are a crucial part of the game. You have seen how many goals we have scored from set pieces now. You have to work on them, defensively and offensively. We managed to pull one off again today.”

England were given a bit of a rough ride by Panama, with two of England’s goals coming from the penalty spot, but Trippier feels the side coped well with the challenge.

“We knew before the game what they were all about,” Trippier added. “They got beat in the first game so they were going to come out fighting and be aggressive against us.

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“But we worked it well and didn’t fall into their trap. We kept out heads and didn’t get any needless yellow cards.”

With the knockout rounds on the horizon, England have brought in psychologist Dr Pippa Grange to help the players cope with the demands of the World Cup, and Trippier is seeing the benefit.

“They do their bit and we just listen and contribute as much as we can,” Trippier added. “It is all good and helps the good mood in the camp. We will go back and recover now.

“It is not about pressure, it is about going out there and enjoying yourself.”