Kieran Trippier admits he has been through a “difficult moment” ahead of Euro 2024 - but insists he is “ready to go” for his fourth tournament as an England player.
The Newcastle United defender suffered a serious calf injury that forced him to miss two months towards the end of the club season but he captained the Three Lions at St James’ Park on Monday night.
And with fitness issues plaguing Gareth Southgate ’s defensive planning, Trippier looks certain to play a key role in Germany.
He said: “Am I ready to start? I suppose you’ll have to ask Gareth. I’m fit. If I pick the team, then I put myself in it. That’s up to Gareth, but I think everyone knows me by now, and whether I play or I don’t play, I’ll be ready.
“I felt really fit, and I got another 60-odd minutes under my belt (against Bosnia), which is always important. I’m feeling good, I’m feeling fresh, and I’m ready to go for the Euros.”
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And Trippier admits he had to be patient as he sweated over whether or not he would be in good shape for the Euros. He explained: “It was a difficult moment (being injured). The time when I got the injury was definitely a difficult moment for me.
“I tried hard to get back as quickly as I could for Newcastle because it was a busy end to the season but, ultimately, I had to respect that it was a big injury.
“As long as I know in my head I’ve done everything right to get back as quickly as possible, then that’s all that matters.” Trippier turns 34 later this year, making him the second-oldest player in the squad behind Kyle Walker.
Yet it seems likely both veterans will start for Southgate when England face Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday week. And whatever happens over the next month or so, Trippier has already made special memories, having led out the Three Lions on his home club turf.
Kieran Trippier in action for England against Bosnia on Monday nightHe said: “It was a very special night, leading the lads out and having my son with me as well. He’s walked out with me with Newcastle before, but never with England. It was a great experience for him, and I managed to sneak him into the dressing room after the game to get a few photos with the boys.
“It’s always an honour, not just to captain the side, but to represent the country.” And while he was in Newcastle, Trippier was keen to clarify his thoughts on the end-of-season trip to Australia, where Eddie Howe’s side played Spurs.
“It was a long journey for the three days but I think people took some of the things I said out of context. I think some people thought I was being negative about it, but … I understand the commercial side of it. All I said is that it’s a tournament year.”
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