Kieran Trippier won't rule out major career U-turn in 2026 as big Newcastle United decision looms
Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier has made a surprise admission about his future.
Kieran Trippier hasn’t ruled out coming out of retirement for England ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, should he be given a call-up by Thomas Tuchel.
Trippier has been a regular for Newcastle this season but announced his retirement from international duty with England following the 2024 European Championships last summer. The 35-year-old has represented England in each of the last four major tournaments.
His 54th and potentially final England cap came in the semi-final of Euro 2024 as he started the 2-1 win over the Netherlands. The Three Lions ended up losing 2-1 to Spain in the final, where Trippier was an unused substitute.
Kieran Trippier on England
Trippier’s first and only international goal brought one of the greatest World Cup moments for England in the modern era. His early free-kick in the World Cup semi-final against Croatia in 2018 put the Three Lions to within touching distance of their first World Cup final since 1966.
But Croatia ended up turning the match around and securing victory in extra-time.
England qualified for next summer’s World Cup in North Amercia with a perfect record under new manager Tuchel. While the likes of Dan Burn, Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Nick Pope will all be pushing for a spot on the plane to the World Cup next summer, Trippier was thought to have ruled himself out of contention after his retirement.
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But the Newcastle defender admitted that he would ‘always be there’ for England if called upon.
"[Tuchel] is a top, top coach,” Trippier said via BBC Newcastle. “I have spoken to him a few times and met him as well. He has got the boys playing. England have won eight out of eight and didn't concede a goal. Who knows? We have been so close over many years. Hopefully, he can be the right man to bring the trophy home."
When asked if he'd been up for one last dance with his country, Trippier pointed to the experienced group already in place with England with Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane and his current team-mate Burn.
The full-back said: "You look at Picks, Harry Kane, there are a lot of experienced players in there and a lot of young players in there as well.
"Who knows? If I get the call I'd never turn down the opportunity. At the moment I am retired, but never say never, if I get the call, I will always be there."
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Kieran Trippier focused on Newcastle United
While Trippier wouldn’t rule out a surprise England return, his full focus at the moment is helping Newcastle turn their underwhelming Premier League form around following the international break.
Trippier said: "Sometimes you have to respect your body. I retired a while ago now, but it has been a nice break.
"The break came at the right time for us as a team to reset and get ready for Man City.
"It is difficult because players come back at different times. But all we can do, and the lads at the training ground, is listen to the manager, listen to what he demands on the training field.
"It gives the young lads an opportunity to come and train with us, and it is good development for them as well. But obviously we will welcome all the lads back (from internationals). Everybody will be back training again soon and get prepared for Man City."