One of Gareth Southgate's most trusted England players has announced his retirement from international football hours before interim manager Lee Carsley is due to name his first squad.
Carsley has been placed in charge of the national side following Southgate's decision to step down as manager following England's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain earlier this summer.
Carsley will name his first squad for next month's Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland on Thursday and hours before the official squad release, one England international has announced his retirement.
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Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier, 33, has called time on his England career after only recently featuring for the national side at the Euros in Germany.
In a statement on Instagram, Trippier wrote: "I never thought as a young lad from Bury that I would play for my country let alone achieve 54 caps.
"It's been one of the biggest honours of my life to represent my country at 4 major tournaments
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"I want to say a big thank you to Gareth and all the staff that have worked with the England squad for the trust they have placed in me throughout the years.
"Thank you to all my team mates - we have had some very special moments reaching 2 Euro finals, and a World Cup semi final and I am sure in the future this group of players will win a major tournament.
"I want to wish Lee, the coaching staff and the team all the best for the future.
"And finally a big thank you to all the England fans for your incredible support travelling all over the world to support us and keeping us going in the difficult moments."
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England's official X account paid tribute to Trippier following his announcement, posting several images of his international career along with the caption: "54 caps, one very special goal and countless memories.
"@trippier2 has announced his retirement from international football. Thank you for everything, Tripps!"
As mentioned in his statement, Trippier earned 54 England caps after first making his debut for the national side in 2017 in a friendly defeat to France.
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He famously scored in the 2018 World Cup semi-final loss to Croatia, curling in a brilliant free-kick to fire England ahead before they eventually went on to lose 2-1.
Trippier was part of the squad that reached the final Euro 2020, where they lost on penalties to Italy, and the team that were beaten by France in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He made six appearances at the recent Euros in Germany but was left on the bench for the final against Spain, as England were beaten 2-1.
His retirement leaves Carsley short on options at left-back, with Luke Shaw currently injured and Ben Chilwell out of contention for selection at his club, Chelsea.
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Carsley will announce his first England squad at 2pm UK time on Thursday.
The Three Lions face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7 before hosting Finland at Wembley on September 10.
Topics: England, Kieran Trippier, Newcastle United, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Football, UEFA Nations League
Rory O'Callaghan