EDDIE HOWE is confident Kieran Trippier will be able to replicate his transformative impact with Newcastle United when he heads to Qatar with the rest of England’s World Cup squad.

Gareth Southgate’s 26-man group will fly to the Middle East today as preparations for next Monday’s opening World Cup group game against Iran begin to crank up.

Trippier is one of three Newcastle players to have been selected for Qatar, with Nick Pope and Callum Wilson also having got the nod, and the trio will head into the World Cup buoyed by the Magpies’ superb recent form in the Premier League, which culminated in the 1-0 home win over Chelsea at the weekend that left them third in the table.

Trippier has been a key factor in Newcastle’s recent success, with the 32-year-old having had a huge impact both on and off the pitch since moving to Tyneside from Atletico Madrid in January.

He is also an important part of Southgate’s England squad, and is set to start next week’s Group B opener in the starting line-up, whether as a right wing-back in a back five or a more orthodox right-back if his manager opts to go with a back four.

“It’s difficult to put into words what Kieran has done for us, really,” said Howe, who has championed Trippier’s England credentials throughout the last ten months. “Last season, his impact was huge and then we lost him to injury, which was a devastating blow at the time, but he played his part behind the scenes for us.

“He really did help the players, came to all the games and really supported us through our battle to stay in the league, and no-one was more pleased than him that we were able to do that.

The Northern Echo: Kieran Trippier talks with England boss Gareth SouthgateKieran Trippier talks with England boss Gareth Southgate (Image: PA)

“This season, I think he’s just been incredible for us on the pitch. He’s made a brilliant contribution in all our phases, whether that's attacking or defending, and his leadership skills have been high-class, so I couldn’t be happier with Kieran. I wish him all the best during the World Cup with England, and I look forward to being able to cheer him on.”

While Newcastle have five players on World Cup duty, with Fabian Schar (Switzerland) and Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil) also heading to Qatar, the majority of Howe’s squad will be remaining on Tyneside before heading to a warm-weather training camp in Saudi Arabia.

“We need to give them some time off, mentally,” said Howe. “It’s really important we handle this break right, so by giving them a chance to reset and relax, it’s actually a positive thing and then they can come back, be energised and start to work.

“It's important that our work, when we come back, is of a really good level. Of course, we’re going to be missing a few players, so that dynamic needs to be managed by the coaching team and myself, but I back us to try to get it right.

“We have the beauty of the Carabao Cup as our first game, and I think that will be a really important game for us to try to kick-start the second half of the season.”