England defender Kieran Trippier has announced his retirement from international football.
The 33-year-old Newcastle full-back earned 54 England caps, famously scoring a stunning free-kick in the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat to Croatia.
Trippier started the final of Euro 2020 against Italy – claiming an assist by setting up Luke Shaw’s early goal – and also played at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 this summer.
“I never thought as a young lad from Bury that I would play for my country let alone achieve 54 caps,” Trippier wrote on Instagram.
“It’s been one of the biggest honours of my life to represent my country at 4 major tournaments. I want to say a big thank you to Gareth (Southgate, former manager) 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 2 Euro finals, and a World Cup semi final and I am sure in the future this group of players will win a major tournament.”
A moment no England fan will ever forget.
❤️ @trippier2 pic.twitter.com/Eso6Cw4iMB— England (@England) August 29, 2024
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Trippier announced his international retirement ahead of interim England manager Lee Carsley naming his squad for September’s Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
The interim boss told talkSPORT: “Well, he’s definitely a loss because you (are taking) someone out of the team with that many caps and that experience.
“I don’t know him personally, but I’ve seen him around the camp, and you can see how encouraging he is to the rest of the players and how important he is.
“I know Anthony Gordon at Newcastle speaks really highly of him, how well he helped him settle in, so he’s a big loss.
“I was lucky enough to speak to him yesterday, so I was aware of the decision he was going to make.
“I think he’s definitely done the right thing for himself. Speaking from personal experience, you know when you’ve had your time.
“I personally knew myself with Ireland that there were players underneath me that were coming through that were at that level, and that it was their time.
“I think he should be remembered as a really good player for England.”
