Kieran Trippier calls time on his England career

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.

Trippier wrote on Instagram: 

“I never thought as a young lad from Bury that I would play for my country, let alone achieve 54 caps”

“It’s been one of the biggest honors 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.”

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.