Kieran Trippier announces England retirement
Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has confirmed his retirement from international duty.
Trippier was a firm favourite of former England manager Gareth Southgate, often starting at left-back despite his natural position being on the other side of defence.
With Luke Shaw battling injury this summer, Trippier started six games for England at Euro 2024, only dropping to the bench for the final as Southgate opted to take a risk on the Manchester United defender.
„I never thought as a young lad from Bury that I would play for my country let alone achieve 54 caps,“ Trippier wrote on social media. „It’s been one of the biggest honours of my life to represent my country at four major tournaments.
„I want to say a big thank you to Gareth and all the staff that have worked with the England squad for the trust they have placed in me throughout the years. Thank you to all my team mates – we have had some very special moments reaching two Euro finals, and a World Cup semi-final and I am sure in the future this group of players will win a major tournament.
„I want to wish Lee [Carsley], the coaching staff and the team all the best for the future. And finally a big thank you to all the England fans for your incredible support travelling all over the world to support us and keeping us going in the difficult moments.“
Trippier made his international debut for England in June 2017 under Southgate and initially found himself in the battle for right-back minutes. Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and, more recently, Chelsea’s Reece James have dominated the position.
In 2021, Southgate tested Trippier as a left-back and the Newcastle man would see regular minutes on his unnatural side as the years progressed, with Shaw and Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell both regularly struggling with injuries.
Southgate’s loyalty to Trippier saw him named England’s starting left-back this summer despite the availability of Chilwell, who was left out of the squad for Euro 2024.
At club level, Trippier is reported to be looking for a move away from Newcastle after losing his place to Tino Livramento, who has also been tipped to replace the 33-year-old in Lee Carsley’s England squad.