KIERAN TRIPPIER is open to a U-turn on England retirement after telling Thomas Tuchel: I can solve your left-back problem.

The — who called time on his international career after the final defeat by — played on the left under .

Netherlands v England: Semi-Final - UEFA EURO 2024Kieran Trippier has opened the door to a potential return to the England squad.Credit: Getty Albania v England - 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers - Group K - Air Albania StadiumThomas Tuchel has been playing right-backs Djed Spence and Nico O’Reilly in the roleCredit: PA

And after speaking to his replacement Tuchel, Trippier declared himself available if needed.

and — also a right-back — were the options for the 2-0 wins over and .

Trippier, 35, said: “I decided to retire and felt it was the right time.

“But I miss it. I miss the banter, the staff. Never say never.

“If I get the call then I’d never turn it down.

“Tuchel’s a top, top coach. I’ve spoken to him a few times. Hopefully he is the right man to bring the trophy home.”

The German boss seems comfortable using full-back talent from the opposite side of the pitch to fill out his squad selection.

‘s first-choice left-back under Southgate, , 30, was snubbed for the last squad in favour of younger talent.

A graphic showing Kieran Trippier's football stats for Newcastle 2025-26, including 9 games, 700 minutes played, 10 tackles, 13 fouls, 469 passes, 0 goals, and 6 tackles won.Trippier has had a reliable season with Newcastle so far

Of the squad for the November internationals, O’Reilly was the only true left-back included in the squad, not counting , who can play the position but is deployed as a centre-back under Tuchel.

Also in the running for a starting spot at left-back for England are two of Trippier’s teammates.

is another two-sided full-back with the ability to fill the left-back role if called upon.

The 23-year-old is still recovering from a knee injury that has seen him sidelined since September.

While one of England’s most promising natural left-backs, 21-year-old , played his first minutes since September in Newcastle’s last match ahead of the international break.