NEWCASTLE UNITED defender Kieran Trippier says he has never thought about the end of his England career after Gareth Southgate revealed he twice had to convince fellow right-back Kyle Walker to rethink international retirement.

Walker, the treble-winning Manchester City full-back, has gone to four major tournaments as a player, with the 33-year-old capping his 77th international appearance with a goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Ukraine.

Southgate revealed after the Euro 2024 qualifier that he had to change Walker’s mind about his England future after the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy and the 2022 World Cup.

But no such talks have been needed with Trippier, who turns 33 next Tuesday and is hoping for another shot at international silverware in Germany next summer.

“I don’t think about that,” said the Magpies full-back, who has been capped 42 times. “I feel great, playing at a high level. It has never crossed my mind when I think I’m going to finish.

“I know the competition I’m up against. My thought process throughout my whole career is to give my best and that’s all I can do.

“Whenever I’m called upon, I give my all for my club and my country.

READ MORE:

“If I play, if I don’t play, I’ve got to support the players around me, so that’s never once crossed my mind if it’s my last major tournament or whatever it may be.

“I just need to keep performing, keep doing well and see what happens in the future.”

Put to Trippier that Southgate’s talks with Walker may have made it harder for him to get into the team, he said: “I don’t look at it (like that).

“Me and Walks have a great relationship, and Trent (Alexander-Arnold) and Reece (James). And there’s a lot of other young right-backs coming through.

“Me and Walks have known each other since the Under-19 Euros when we went to Ukraine together.

“We played at Tottenham together, we played at England together but the good thing about it is we are probably the closest in the group.

“We’ve known each other a long time, so there’s never any bitterness or anything like this. It’s all supportive.

“If I’m playing, he’s playing, we’re always helping each other, we’re always pushing each other on and this is the competition you want to better yourself.

“But there’s never any negativity, it is always positive.”

Trippier has proven adept in both full-back roles and looks set to start Tuesday’s 150th anniversary heritage match against old foes Scotland at a sold-out Hampden Park tonight.

“I think every single international game is always competitive, friendly or not,” the Newcastle defender added.

“We know the history of England v Scotland and it’s a game we are really excited about.

“Obviously I take every game seriously, so tomorrow is going to be a good game and one that we’re looking forward to.”