'No fear' for Tripps

The Atletic Madrid full-back has also been impressed by the positivity in the squad, as the Three Lions emerged on top of their group without conceding a goal to head into the knockout stages.

 

“Everyone is buzzing,” said Trippier, who is one of just three Englishmen to have scored in a World Cup semi-final.

 

“Seven points and three clean-sheets — we’ve not conceded a goal yet — so the camp is very happy.”

 

Speaking on the Official England Podcast, Trippier said he doesn’t see England’s incredible quality in his position as being a negative, and that getting on well with his competitors off the pitch is a big advantage.

 

“I’m really close to Walks [Kyle Walker], who’s probably the one I hang around the place with the most — I’ve known him for many years. There’s obviously Reece [James], who is a fantastic player. The first game, I played left-back against Croatia. If I play right-back [or] left-back, as long as I’m helping the team, that’s the most important thing.

 

“All I’ve got to do is help the team and encourage other players, not just the players that are in my position. We’ve got so many young players in the team, I want to help them as much as I can, if it’s me speaking to them or encouraging them.”

Some of the Three Lions squad will get more game-time this summer than others, but Trippier feels assured that everyone in the camp will be vital in playing their part, either on the pitch or off it.

 

“We’re all together for a long time,” he said.

 

“The most important thing is that everyone gets on here. Everyone’s treated really well, everyone’s playing well, no matter if they’ve been selected. The main objective is to win the tournament.

 

"It’s not just about the XI, it’s the bench, the players that come on, the players that don’t make the squad. That’s what’s important about this team: we’re so close and we’re just like one team. It’s really special."

 

And as England prepare to renew their historic rivalry with Germany. Trippier says he and his teammates are quietly confident ahead of the blockbuster fixture.

 

“As you look back down the years on games against Germany, the one that stands out to me was when we won 5-1 in Germany itself.

 

"Germany are a fantastic team — unbelievable players — but we shouldn’t fear anybody. I don’t think we fear Germany. We’ve got a quality team; we’ve got to be positive. We just regroup now and focus on that game.

 

“We’re just waiting to cross that white line against Germany, and we’ll hopefully get the win.”