Kieran Trippier admits his Newcastle United form dipped after the World Cup - but the Magpies skipper is pleased both he and Callum Wilson are back on song for Eddie Howe's high-flying side.
Trippier and Wilson's early season form earned the duo eagerly-anticipated calls from Gareth Southgate ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The winter spectacle was a first for international football and subsequently wreaked havoc with the Premier League schedule.
Both men returned to club action off the pace, with Wilson certainly feeling the after-effects of playing and training over the winter while both his team-mates and the opposition enjoyed a short break.
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However, the Newcastle hitman has re-found his shooting boots after a stellar April saw him notch eight goals, including three braces. Trippier has now admitted his own post-tournament form wasn't acceptable but is glad to have turned the tide along with his Newcastle co-star.
“After the World Cup in the middle of the season, it's unusual and quite a lot of player's form dipped, mine included,” Trippier said after Sunday's win over Southampton. “There were moments in games after the World Cup where I didn't perform like I did before but that's normal I think.
"[Wilson] has shown great character to come back certainly after the international break where he didn't come away with England [in March] and that was a good time for him to reflect and rest. The goals speak for themselves after that but I can't fault his professionalism.
“We need players to come off the bench and impact the game. We've seen throughout the season that the subs have been unbelievable and everybody feels valued which is so important and we're all on the same page.”
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