Kieran Trippier has insisted Newcastle United is his immediate priority despite his World Cup dream creeping ever closer. Injuries to Reece James and Kyle Walker means the Magpies’ right-back has a solid chance of starting England’s opener against Iran. Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, too, has struggled for form this season – paving the way for Trippier to stake his claim. The Toon’s stand-in skipper has been a regular in the Three Lions setup for the majority of Gareth Southgate’s six-year reign as manager. However, with England’s opener just one month away, Trippier has revealed his focus is solely on Newcastle. The 32-year-old believes his performances at club level will decide whether he makes the plane to Qatar.
Kieran Trippier said: “The World Cup around the corner is going to be on every player’s mind. I need to keep trying to perform at a high level for my club. My performances will dictate if I get called up for England or not, so I need to fully focus on Newcastle.”
Trippier also hailed his teammates for their change in approach in 2022-23. A sturdy Toon backline are now fifth in the Premier League after last night’s win against Everton – losing just one game all season.
Kieran Trippier added: “It’s there for everybody to see on the pitch, the way that we’re playing. There is a real feel-good factor around the club. This season we’ve really attacked the league and the big teams. We want to win every game. They’re (Newcastle fans) very special. Every game, this season and last season, you see the sell-out stadiums, no matter who we play against.”
