Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier is looking ahead to the World Cup next year

Kieran Trippier says he is more excited about the coming season than any other in his career as the Tottenham right-back aims to capitalise on Kyle Walker’s departure and earn a spot in England’s World Cup squad.

The 26-year-old has spent almost two years as Walker’s understudy, but there were signs late last term that a changing of the guard was imminent.

Trippier got the nod for Spurs’ three biggest matches in the final month, starting the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea and then the Premier League clashes against Arsenal and Manchester United.

In the end he finished with six assists for the campaign – one more than Walker despite starting exactly half as many matches.

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Now Walker has completed a £50million move to Manchester City, becoming the most expensive defender in the history of the game – and Trippier is keen to make the most of his chance to shine.

Asked if this is the most excited he has been about the start of a new season, he said: “For sure. Obviously with what’s gone on, my England debut and Walks moving on, it’s opened the door. When these opportunities come along you’ve got to grab it.

“We’ve not discussed [whether I’ll be the first-choice right-back] yet but I want to put it in his mind that I’m ready to step up and be the number one.

View photos Kyle Walker is England’s first choice right back More

“It’s the manager’s decision if they decide to bring another right-back in but I’m not going to worry too much about that. I know what I can do.

“I got more games towards the end of last season and I think I did well. I need to keep working hard every day and if the manager picks me he knows I’ll do well for the team.”

Trippier’s progress in the second half of last season was rewarded with a senior England debut against France in June.

He is now eyeing a seat on the plane when Gareth Southgate’s side head to Russia next summer for the 2018 World Cup.

“It was one of the proudest moments of my life, putting on that England shirt,” said Trippier, speaking after taking part in a Q&A with youngsters from the Special Olympics organisation in Orlando, USA.

“I’ve got to thank the manager (Mauricio Pochettino) for that. I’ve learned a lot from the manager and the players since coming here.

“My dream is always to play for England. Before I came to Tottenham I dreamed of that. I always wanted to try to do it, I’ve tried and tried.

“I’m at the best club for me now and every time I pull the shirt on I want to do my best for Tottenham, and hopefully my performances are good enough to get picked for England. There’s the World Cup next year.

“Is that a target for me? Personally yes, of course it is. Every game I play I need to put a performance in because you’ve got Walks at City, [Nathaniel] Clyne at Liverpool, so there’s tough competition.

View photos Kieran Trippier sees himself as a natural successor to Kyle Walker’s place More

“My standards won’t be dropping because Walks is gone. I’ll be exactly the same, hungry to play, to start every week and do well.

“Getting that England cap has just made me more hungry. I’ve had a taste of it, meeting all the boys and the manager. It was exciting times for me and my family and I want more of it.”

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