Newcastle ace Trippier shares details of relationship with England star

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Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has discussed his relationship with England teammate Kyle Walker.

Newcastle United full-back Kieran Trippier has stated that he has a close friendship with Kyle Walker, who he competes with for a starting berth in Gareth Southgate’s England team.

Southgate gave Walker the nod over Trippier to start at right-back in the Three Lions’ recent clash with Ukraine. However, Trippier may be expecting to be named in the starting XI when England take on Scotland later today.

No matter who is playing, Trippier insists that he and Walker remain entirely supportive of one another. The Newcastle man, who previously was a teammates of Walker’s at Tottenham Hotspur, has made it clear that he and his fellow right-back have a strong bond.

Speaking ahead of England’s game with Scotland, as quoted by Sky Sports, Trippier said, “me and Walks have known each other since the under-19 Euros when we went to Ukraine together. We played at Tottenham together, played at England together, but the good thing about it is we’re probably the closest in the group, you know, we’ve known each other a long time. 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 that you want.”

Tripper still a key player for Newcastle

Whilst Trippier may be playing second fiddle to Walker on the international stage, he remains a key figure at St James’ Park. The 32-year-old will be crucial for Eddie Howe this season, and will stand a great chance of impressing Southgate further by shining for the Magpies in the Premier League and Champions League on a regular basis.

However, Trippier is certainly in the twilight of his career, and Newcastle have shown this summer that they are already planning for life without the £12 million defender. Tino Livramento, who arrived on Tyneside in a £32 million switch from Southampton in the recent transfer window, will serve as an understudy to Trippier this season, but has certainly been earmarked as the heir to the 42-cap international’s starting berth.

Trippier will be keen to help Newcastle build on their success from last season and qualify for the Champions League once again. If the Magpies are to manage that feat, they will need the England man to be at his best.