Kieran Trippier's last World Cup campaign chalked up a big bill

Kieran Trippier’s last World Cup campaign chalked up a big bill as his parents defied killjoy Bury council chiefs by erecting 20ft St George’s flag bearing his name… but the England star admits his dad will be back in the garden for Qatar!

• Boss Gareth Southgate has announced his 2022 World Cup squad for Qatar
• Kieran Trippier, 32, has been named in the 26-man squad for the tournament 
• Trippier had to pay a fine to Bury Council after the 2018 World Cup
• His parents erected a giant flag bearing their son’s name in their garden 
• The killjoy council chiefs took offence to the flag and looked to issue a fine

Kieran Trippier will be picking up the tab for his wife, three children, mum and three brothers to follow him in Qatar – but his biggest bill could yet be a fine from Bury Council.

It was during the last World Cup in Russia that killjoy council chiefs took offence to the defender’s parents erecting, in the front garden of their two-bedroom semi in Ramsbottom, a giant flag of St George bearing their son’s name.

Trippier’s childhood home had become a hub for family and friends to watch England’s journey to the last four, with the back garden transformed into beer garden. So, will it be too cold this time around?

Trippier could face a fine from Bury Council for his parents antics during the 2018 World Cup

It was during the last World Cup in Russia (above) that the council took offence to the defender’s parents erecting a giant flag of St George bearing their son’s name in their garden

‘No, not really!’ says the Newcastle captain, whose extended family all live in the surrounding streets. ‘The council are probably still knocking from last time. They were saying, “Flag down!” It was on a massive pole, about 25-30ft high. Nobody had complained, so I don’t know how they found out. But Dad didn’t take it down, so we had to pay the fine.’

Did he cover the cost?

‘Of course I did! The streets were full – my aunties, uncles, nana. It’s a proud moment for them because I never thought I’d get one cap, never mind nearly 40. And yes, we’ve still got the flag…’

Trippier’s dad, bricklayer Chris, will not be in Qatar – ‘He gets too nervous, he’ll be watching in the garden!’ – but thoughts of home will never be too far from the player’s mind.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkJIc10II_4/

A post shared by Kieran Trippier (@ktrippier2)

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChUceAmD4b2/

A post shared by Kieran Trippier (@ktrippier2)

‘We’re a family that grew up with no money really – four boys in a little two-bed council house. I’m the youngest, so you can imagine what the household was like. I always look back and realise how much mum and dad sacrificed for me to be in the position I’m in. It’s why I always want to give something back.’

Trippier will be going to the World Cup as, arguably, England’s most in-form player. He has been a revelation on Tyneside, heralded by insiders as the most influential of all the club’s signings since the Saudi-led takeover, and that includes Brazil playmaker and terrace darling Bruno Guimaraes.

He swapped Champions League football with La Liga winners Atletico Madrid for a relegation scrap at St James’ Park in January, and there is no doubt in his mind he is all the better for it.

‘I know I’m 32, but I’m not slowing down. When I was at Atletico Madrid with (Diego) Simeone, he worked me really hard, defensively, offensively, as a person on and off the pitch. I think I’ve come back to the Premier League a more complete player.

He will be picking up the tab for his wife, children, mum and brothers to follow him in Qatar

Trippier will hoping he can help The Three Lions bring home the World Cup this year

‘But I’ve learned a lot since I came here (with Eddie Howe). I’m more confident, hungrier, and going into a tournament you need to be at a good level, individually and as a collective. I certainly feel like I’m going on the back of good performances. I feel like I’ m playing the best football of my career.’

Trippier served a reminder to Gareth Southgate as to his deadball expertise when lashing home a penalty during Newcastle’s Carabao Cup shootout win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. It was he, of course, who scored England’s last goal at a World Cup, a free-kick to put them in front against Croatia four years ago, only to lose the semi-final 2-1. That takes us back to the family garden in Ramsbottom.

‘I watched David Beckham on YouTube for hours and hours when I was younger and, because of his deliveries, I tried to replicate what he did on a pitch,’ he says. ‘I’m always confident (from deadballs), I don’t feel any pressure.’

Still in the garden, a World Cup memory from 2010.

‘We had a big telly up,’ recalls Trippier, then 19. ‘I remember Frank Lampard against Germany when it went over the line (the goal wasn’t given and England lost 4-1). People were fuming!’

If there was anger then, it did not compare to the frustration of that defeat to Croatia.

Trippier and his England team-mates will get underway in the World Cup later this month

Gareth Southgate has named his official 26-man squad for the World Cup starting in November

‘It’s difficult to let go, I’m not going to lie, getting beat in a semi-final when you know you were so close,’ he says. ‘We could have been 3-0 up in the first 45 minutes. It’s all about fine margins against a top team. But we’ve all achieved things since then, now we want to put that right and make another final. We’ve got a very good squad to go and win the tournament. That’s got to be the mindset – a winning mindset.’

The other final was Euro 2020 – England’s first since 1966 – where they were beaten on penalties by Italy. With that in mind, Trippier says Southgate has been harshly treated on the back of more recent, poorer results.

‘Gareth is a fantastic manager. The record of a semi-final and final speaks for itself. I feel like he’s brought everyone together – the fans, the nation – with the players. He’s brought that unity back. He certainly deserves more respect.’

One thing the Trippiers are unlikely to respect, however, is the wishes of Bury Council.

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