KIERAN TRIPPIER has retired from international duty just hours before Lee Carsley names his first England squad.
The Newcastle full-back, who is reportedly seeking a move away from St James' Park before tomorrow's deadline, was a key starter under Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024.
54-cap Trippier was selected at left-back in every game bar the final defeat to Spain.
And with Manchester United's Luke Shaw out injured again, as well as a knock to Chelsea right-back Reece James, Trippier was expected to be called up into Carsley's first-ever England squad.
But the 33-year-old has instead decided to call time on his international career.
In a statement on Instagram, he said: "It’s been one of the biggest honours of my life to represent my country at four major tournaments
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"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."
England paid tribute to Tripper on social media, saying: "54 caps, one very special goal and countless memories
"Kieran Trippier has announced his retirement from international football. Thank you for everything, Tripps!"
Newcastle added: "He lived the dream. Congratulations on an incredible international career."
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Kieran Trippier statement in full
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 honours of my life to represent my country at 4 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 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.
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.
Trips
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Trippier's England debut came back in 2017 in a 3-2 friendly defeat to France.
A year later he found himself in Southgate's first World Cup squad and played a huge role in England's run to the semis as a roving right wing-back, even scoring a free-kick in the defeat to Croatia.
In October 2020 Trippier captained England for the first time in a 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley.
And the following summer saw him start three times in England's run to the Euros final, where they lost on penalties to Italy.
The 2022 World Cup had Trippier in for the opening two group matches before losing his place in the side.
But he lined up on the left for England in every game bar the final during this summer's Euro adventure in Germany.
Trippier was quickly shown much love by his former team-mates.
Harry Maguire wrote: "Been a please mate, some journey."
Former England midfielder Jordan Henderson replied: "Some great memories together. Thanks for everything mate."
Pundit Ian Wright said: "Gave us so many great memories. Congratulations."
Newcastle legend Shay Given wrote: "Congratulations Tripps on a great international career."
Uncertain future
It now remains to be seen if Trippier shakes up his club career too, with reports claiming he has requested to leave Newcastle.
It's reckoned the veteran could be on his way to Everton after two-and-a-half years at St James' Park.
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Trippier has scored four times in 92 games for Toon.
And he started last night's Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest after being left out of Eddie Howe's starting XI in Newcastle's opening two Premier League games.
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Chelsea have reportedly made a sensational move to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
Liverpool are also eyeing a cut-price deal for Juventus outcast Federico Chiesa.
Meanwhile, Saudi club Al Ahli have submitted an initial bid of £55million to Napoli for Chelsea target Victor Osimhen.
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