Trippier makes retirement claim after Southgate reveals talks with England teammate – ‘I feel great’ | OneFootball

Kieran Trippier in action for England.

Kieran Trippier has claimed that retiring from England duty has “never” crossed his mind after Gareth Southgate revealed he had to convince Kyle Walker to rethink his international future.

The Man City treble-winner Walker has gone to four major tournaments as a player, with the 33-year-old scoring during his 77th international appearance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Ukraine.

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But no such talks have been needed with Trippier, who turns 33 next Tuesday and is hoping for another shot at international silverware in Germany next summer.

“I don’t think about that,” said the full-back, who has been capped 42 times. “I feel great, playing at a high level. It has never crossed my mind when I think I’m going to finish.

“I know the competition I’m up against. My thought process throughout my whole career is to give my best and that’s all I can do.

“Whenever I’m called upon, I give my all for my club and my country.

“If I play, if I don’t play, I’ve got to support the players around me, so that’s never once crossed my mind if it’s my last major tournament or whatever it may be.

“I just need to keep performing, keep doing well and see what happens in the future.”

Put to Trippier that Southgate’s talks with Walker may have made it harder for him to get into the team, he said: “I don’t look at it (like that).”

“Me and Walks have a great relationship, and Trent (Alexander-Arnold) and Reece (James). And there’s a lot of other young right-backs coming through.

“Me and Walks have known each other since the Under-19 Euros when we went to Ukraine together.

“We played at Tottenham together, we played at England together but the good thing about it is we are probably the closest in the group.

“We’ve known each other a long time, so there’s never any bitterness or anything like this. It’s all supportive.

“If I’m playing, he’s playing, we’re always helping each other, we’re always pushing each other on and this is the competition you want to better yourself.

“But there’s never any negativity, it is always positive.”

Trippier has proven adept in both full-back roles and looks set to start Tuesday’s 150th anniversary heritage match against old foes Scotland at a sold-out Hampden Park.

“I think every single international game is always competitive, friendly or not,” the Newcastle defender added.

“We know the history of England v Scotland and it’s a game we are really excited about.

“Obviously I take every game seriously, so tomorrow is going to be a good game and one that we’re looking forward to.”

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