On-fire Kieran has key to success

KIERAN TRIPPIER admits he hasn’t received the freedom of his home town of Bury just yet – but on this form it won’t be long in coming.

The Tottenham defender was one of the stars of England’s surprise surge to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia, his highlight being his glorious free-kick against Croatia.

He was at it again on Saturday as another 30-yard strike left Fulham goalkeeper Fabri clutching at thin air as it sailed into the corner and turned a game that had looked like it might be slipping away from Spurs.

After his triumph in Russia, Bury council in Greater Manchester announced they would be awarding their new favourite son the freedom of the town. But Trippier is still waiting.

Trippier, whose raids down the right were a key feature of his team’s performance, said: “I’ve not received it yet.

“The council have been on to my agent about it.

“It’s a busy schedule at the moment but I’m sure I’ll go back up north soon to accept it.

“I do get recognised in the street now sometimes. But it’s just football. Fans love watching what we do. We try to put on a show for them.

“I was delighted to play at the World Cup. It’s crazy what a year can do. I only made my debut for England last year and a year later I am playing in a World Cup.

“I learned a lot about myself, it gave me a lot of confidence and I am missed a great chance to put Fulham ahead, Trippier stepped forward.

Dele Alli was fouled and Trippier curled in a glorious free-kick.

He added: “This one was a bit further out than the one in Moscow. Some of the boys saw me shaping up to take it and said that. I am just happy it went in. It was a crucial time to get a goal.

“I asked Christian Eriksen if I could take it and he just said, ‘Go ahead’. It’s just about confidence and believing in your own ability.”

Slot

Three minutes after Trippier’s strike, Spurs substitute Erik Lamela set up Harry Kane after a surging run and the England man stepped inside Calum Chambers to slot in the third goal.

Spurs could have had more, Kane hitting the bar and seeing Fabri save his close-range drive, and the excellent Lucas missing two fine chances.

For Fulham, it meant two defeats in their opening two games – but there were encouraging signs for manager Slavisa Jokanovic.