England defender Kieran Trippier announces international retirement

England defender Kieran Trippier has announced his retirement from international football.

Trippier calls time on his international career having made 54 appearances for his country, including six during England’s run to the European Championship final this summer.

The 33-year-old’s decision comes on the eve of Lee Carsley’s first squad announcement as interim manager following Gareth Southgate’s exit after the tournament.

“I never thought as a young lad from Bury that I would play for my country let alone achieve 54 caps,” Trippier said in a post on social media.

“It’s been one of the biggest honours of my life to represent my country at four major tournaments

“I want to say a big thank you to Gareth 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 two Euro finals, and a World Cup semi-final and I am sure in the future this group of players will win a major tournament.

“I want to wish Lee, the coaching staff and the team all the best for the future.

“And finally a big thank you to all the England fans for your incredible support travelling all over the world to support us and keeping us going in the difficult moments.”

Trippier made his senior England debut in 2017 during a 3-2 defeat to France, and went on to become a key player, famously scoring a free-kick in the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat against Croatia. He represented his country at four major tournaments.

His club future, meanwhile, remains up in the air ahead of Friday’s transfer window deadline.

Trippier is keen to leave Newcastle United to secure more regular first-team football, with Everton holding talks over a possible move.

(Stu Forster/Getty Images)