Kieran Trippier did not think he would win a single cap for England once upon a time - let alone play in three successive major tournaments. However, the Newcastle United defender will surely be one of the first names on Gareth Southgate's team sheet once again when the Three Lions face Iran in their World Cup opener on Monday.
Trippier has long earned Southgate's trust as the England boss' go-to big-game player, whether it is the opening game of the group stage, a World Cup semi-final or, even, the final of the European Championships. This tournament will be no different, particularly with the form the right-back is in.
When it comes to successful crosses, passes into the final third, chances created and chances created from set-pieces, Trippier ranks among the very best in the Premier League and not just for defenders. No wonder Trippier has vowed not to let anyone tell him when his time is up - the 32-year-old is coming into his prime.
