Newcastle United’s seasoned full-back, Kieran Trippier, has officially announced his retirement from international football at the age of 33. The announcement was made through an emotional post on Instagram, marking the end of a distinguished international career that saw him become one of England’s most reliable and influential defenders. Kieran Trippier’s decision comes after an illustrious career that spanned seven years, during which he earned 54 caps and played pivotal roles in England’s campaigns in major tournaments.
Kieran Trippier’s journey with the Three Lions began under the management of Gareth Southgate in 2017. His debut marked the start of a journey that would see him become a key figure in the England squad. His defensive prowess, leadership qualities, and ability to deliver crucial set-pieces made him an invaluable asset to the team. Trippier’s contributions were not limited to defense; his offensive capabilities were also highlighted by his memorable goal in the 2018 World Cup semi-final against Croatia, where he opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick. Despite the heartbreak of losing the match 2-1 after extra time, that goal remains one of the standout moments of his international career.
A Storied International Career: Kieran Trippier’s Achievements with England
Kieran Trippier’s international career is marked by significant achievements that reflect his importance to the England team. Among his most notable accomplishments is his role in helping England reach the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His steady presence in defense was crucial as England navigated through a tough tournament, demonstrating his consistent performance on the world stage. Kieran Trippier was also a key figure in England’s historic run to the final of the UEFA Euro 2021, where they narrowly missed out on the title after a penalty shootout loss to Italy. His contributions in that tournament cemented his reputation as one of the best full-backs in international football.
Most recently, Kieran Trippier was an integral part of England’s squad at Euro 2024 in Germany. He played in six of the team’s seven matches, showcasing his enduring quality and experience. However, he was replaced by Luke Shaw in the starting lineup for the final, where England suffered a narrow defeat to Spain. Despite not lifting a major international trophy, Trippier’s influence and leadership throughout these tournaments were instrumental in England’s successes and near misses.
Kieran Trippier Reflects on His England Journey: ‘One of the Biggest Honours of My Life’
In his heartfelt Instagram post, Kieran Trippier expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunities he had while representing England on the international stage. “I never thought as a young lad from Bury that I would play for my country, let alone achieve 54 caps,” Kieran Trippier wrote. His reflection on his journey highlights the pride and honor he felt in wearing the England shirt, a sentiment shared by many fans who have admired his contributions over the years.
Kieran Trippier also extended his thanks to Gareth Southgate and the entire England staff for their trust in him throughout his career. He acknowledged the special moments he shared with his teammates, particularly reaching two Euro finals and a World Cup semi-final. Despite stepping down from international duty, Kieran Trippier remains optimistic about the future of the England squad, expressing his belief that the current group of players has what it takes to win a major tournament. As Kieran Trippier bids farewell to international football, his legacy as one of England’s finest defenders is secure, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.
The Future of England’s Right-Back Position
With Kieran Trippier’s departure, England’s right-back position is set to see some changes. talkSPORT reports that Tino Livramento, who has recently taken Trippier’s place in the Newcastle starting lineup, is being considered for a senior call-up. This marks a significant moment for the 21-year-old, who could follow in Trippier’s footsteps on the international stage.
Additionally, Arsenal’s Ben White, who had previously made himself unavailable for selection under Southgate, will also not feature in Carsley’s first squad. Manchester City’s Rico Lewis is another name in contention, highlighting Carsley’s intent to bring through young talent as England looks to build for the future.
Lee Carsley, the current England U21 manager, has been handed the senior job on a temporary basis following Southgate’s departure in July. He will oversee the upcoming Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, with a mandate to inject youth and develop an attacking style of play. While the search for Southgate’s permanent successor continues, Carsley’s selections and tactical approach will be closely watched as England enters a new era post-Trippier
