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Kieran Trippier has returned to Tottenham full of confidence after World Cup experience

Trip of a lifetime | Full back returned to Spurs with a bang after World Cup heroics: PA
Trip of a lifetime | Full back returned to Spurs with a bang after World Cup heroics: PA

Tottenham's Kieran Trippier says he has returned from the World Cup a more confident and experienced player after scoring a stunning free-kick in the 3-1 win over Fulham on Saturday .

Trippier was one of the unexpected stars of the tournament in Russia, helping England to a first semi-final since 1990, where he scored a similar free-kick in the 2-1 defeat to Croatia.

The right-back missed Spurs' opening game at Newcastle, but continued where he left off with an all-action performance in the win over the Cottagers at Wembley.

"I was delighted to play at the World Cup, It’s crazy what a year can do because I only made my debut for England last year and a year later I am playing in a World Cup," Trippier said.

"I learnt a lot about myself, it gave me a lot of confidence and I am happy to come back with more experience. Hopefully I can put that to good use by playing as many games as I can for Tottenham this season and helping the team out.

"When we went away it was about just believing in what we could do as a team. We know the quality we have and we knew we could go far. We overcame so many obstacles in the World Cup and I am delighted with that."

Trippier was awarded the Freedom of his hometown of Bury for his performances at the tournament but, despite such a dramatic rise, he says not much has changed in his day-to-day life.

"I know I played for England at a World Cup with millions and millions of people watching but I still stick to my same routine – train then go home see my wife and little boy," he said. "I haven’t changed anything. I’m just happy we could bring the fans together with the England team.

"I just want to keep on working hard and progressing as a footballer because I am keen to get more of those moments like I had at the World Cup. I am eager and hungry to get more and hopefully there will be more to come."​

Trippier's 30-yard free-kick gave Spurs a 2-1 lead with 15 minutes remaining against Fulham, after Aleksandar Mitrovic had cancelled out Lucas Moura's opener, and Harry Kane sealed the points with his first goal in 15 Premier League games in August.

The former Burnley defender admitted he had doubts about whether to shoot and insists he will not be demanding to take free-kicks ahead of Spurs' usual taker Christian Eriksen from now on.

"This one was a bit further out [than the one against Croatia]," he said. "Some of the boys saw me shaping up to take it and said ‘Is it not a bit too far out?’ That made me question my decision and think ‘Is it a bit too far out?’

"But the decision had already been made and I tried to block the keeper’s view as much as possible by telling the boys to get in the wall. I am happy it went in. I think it was a crucial time to get a goal, no matter who scored it, because they were getting on top of the game.

"They had scored and gained a lot of momentum, but I think the second goal killed them. It was a massive goal in terms of the game. Fulham are a very good side and pass it well. I think they will do really well this season.

"It is not just Russia – I have taken them the whole of my career. But in the time I have been here it has been Christian who has taken them and everybody knows how good he is at dead-ball set-pieces. I am happy I managed to get one in Russia and another here. But whoever feels confident in the moment can take it. If Christian wants to take them, no problem.

"Because of the angle or the distance, Christian is usually much better at striking the ball into that corner [that I scored in against Fulham] than I am. But I just felt confident in that moment of time so I asked him ‘Can I take this one?’ and he said ‘Yeah no problem.’ It’s just about confidence and believing in your own ability. If you hit it over the wall you’ve got every chance of it going in."