Trippier thanks Spurs boss for England call-up

Spurs full-back Kieran Trippier is thankful for the part Mauricio Pochettino has played in helping him earn his first senior England call-up, after Gareth Southgate named him in his 25-man squad yesterday.

The 26-year-old is currently in Hong Kong, where Tottenham won a friendly against Kitchee SC, and said it was Pochettino himself who pulled him aside to tell him the good news.

Trippier will train with the England squad as they prepare for next month’s World Cup qualifier in Scotland, followed by a friendly in France.

The former Burnley player said the honour had not yet sunk in, but was quick to recognise the hand his manager has had in his development since he joined Spurs almost two years ago.

He said: “Mauricio is a great manager, I love playing for him and he’s developed my game a lot in the two years I’ve been here.

( ISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP/Getty Images)

“Obviously playing in the Champions League this season was the icing on the cake and it’s all falling into place, playing more games, playing in the Champions League and now getting called up for England.

“It’s a dream and a big achievement for myself, one of the best of my career.

“I’ve been watching England since I was a young boy and it’s always been my dream to be a professional footballer first of all and to play for such a big club like Tottenham.

“It’s going to be great just to be part of it and it should be a great experience with all the players I’m going to be with.”