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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Davies

Kieran Trippier: Tottenham exit has boosted my England chances

Former Tottenham defender Kieran Trippier believes his move to Atletico Madrid has boosted his chances of an England place.

The 29-year-old failed to make England’s Nation’s League squad after struggling in his final season at Tottenham, but started three of four European Championship qualifiers this season.

The defender – who left Tottenham for Spain in an unexpected £20m summer deal – has revealed it was his England ambitions that dictated his decision to move, one he now believes he has significantly boosted his chances.

Trippier started as Atletico produced a stunning display to defeat Liverpool and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Speaking after Atletico’s impressive victory, Trippier said: "I knew when I left Tottenham and I hadn't been picked for the Nations League last summer that I had to perform better.

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"I've had plenty of chats about that with the staff at England. I want to play at the highest level for as long as I can in order to play for England. That's my objective.

"There is no bigger moment for me than representing my country. I just need to perform well, I know what I need to do because there are so many right-backs now.

"There are about six right-backs - and they are all playing at the highest level. I just need to focus on myself."

On his move to Atletico, Trippier added: "I can't really explain it, how good it is here, it is just an unbelievable feeling and I'm proud to be part of this team."

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