CAPTAIN? WHAT A TRIPP

Banned for a breach of gambling rules, now Trippier skippers his country and admits ‘it’s surreal’

KIERAN TRIPPIER admits it will be a “surreal moment” to captain England.

Trippier, 31, is one of Gareth Southgate’s best success stories as he has gone from playing at Barnsley and Burnley to becoming an England regular.

The Atletico Madrid fullback (left) has gone through a rollercoaster year, serving a ban for breaching the FA’S gambling rules to winning La Liga last season and now another honour with England.

Trippier, who wins his 35th cap this evening, did captain England last year but in this World Cup qualifier here, it will be the first time in front of fans.

He said: “As a player, to captain your country is one of my best feelings, one of the proudest moments of my career.

“I can only thank Gareth for what he’s done for me on and off the pitch and the trust that he has in me to name me captain. It’s a surreal moment.

“Hopefully I can follow that up with a win but I’m speechless, really, to captain my country and lead the boys out. You know obviously it’s something I’ll never ever forget.”

England boss Southgate likes and trusts Trippier so much he gave him the armband a year ago, just before his FA hearing, which felt as if the coach was underlining his unshakeable faith in him.

Trippier played and scored in a World Cup semifinal, shone in the Euros in the summer and, despite flirting with a return to England, his progression in

Spain has been remarkable.

Now he is a top-quality attacking full-back but also a well-drilled and disciplined defender. But at his age, this could also be his last World Cup campaign.

Trippier said: “I’m never disappointed when I come away with England. I always look back, even now, when I was playing at Barnsley and Burnley. I never thought I would have made over 30 caps for my country, played in a World Cup semi-final.

“It’s always an honour to be here, if I’m playing or not playing, and succeed.

“There’s another World Cup round the corner but I know I have to be performing well for my club and every opportunity I get for England. I’m delighted with the number of caps I’ve got now but I want more, as does every player.

“It’s an exciting time for the nation.”

He will wear the armband in the absence of Harry Kane with Southgate set to ring the changes as he admitted he is looking to protect some players from injury on the plastic pitch, with the likes of Conor Coady, Jesse Lingard and Jadon Sancho set to play.

Trippier said: “Hopefully we can win and get another four wins to qualify for the World Cup. It’s going to be a big test, we can’t overlook Andorra because it’s going to be difficult but we are all ready.

“Since making my debut the team has progressed so much, getting to the World Cup semifinal, then the Euros final, as everyone has seen.

“But we want to go that one step further.”