IN FINE FORM
Trippier Sr’s support of Kieran is not flagging
FLYING the flag is proving a costly business for Kieran Trippier and his Englandcrazy family.
Four years ago, Trippier spoke proudly of his parents hosting massive World Cup parties for their neighbours in Ramsbottom and erecting a giant flag of St George on a 30ft pole.
But it was only when he returned from Russia that he heard the local council had fined his dad for refusing to take it down.
Most of Trippier’s family will be out in Qatar, where the Newcastle defender is expected be first-choice full-back for the Three Lions after being named in the squad yesterday.
But dad Chris will stay at home and – despite the seasonal drop in temperature – has vowed to repeat his 2018 ritual of flying the flag, watching games in the back garden and inviting friends and family around.
“My wife, children and mum are travelling but dad gets too nervous, so will probably be watching in the garden again,” said Trippier.
“The council are probably still knocking! Last time, they told him to take the flag down but he didn’t and had to pay the fine.
“They’re all proud. Basically, the whole street came around – aunties, uncles, my nana who all live close by.
“I know what my family sacrificed for me to be in the position I’m in.
“We grew up with no money really – four boys in a little two-bedroom council house. I was the youngest, so you can imagine what the household was like.’’
Trippier heads off to the World Cup believing he is in the best form of his life, having helped Newcastle into third place in the table ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Chelsea and into the last 16 of the EFL Cup.
And despatching a penalty in the Toon’s shoot-out win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday could prove handy preparation for what lies ahead too.
“I know I’m 32 but I’m not slowing down,” he added. “I’m more confident and hungrier.
“Going into a tournament, you need to be at a good level and I feel I’m going on the back of good performances.”
Trippier was the last England player to score at a World Cup with that blistering free-kick against Croatia in Moscow that put them ahead before they lost 2-1.
He still, however, bears the mental scars from that painful semi-final defeat.
“It’s difficult to let go, when you’re so close to the final,” he said.
“But that’s all in the past. We’ve made a final since and now want to go one step further.”