Pick. That. Out.
England and Croatia duked it out in a tense yet gripping World Cup semi-final and one man planted his flag early doors.
Gareth Southgate’s men got off to a flyer in Moscow and were duly rewarded when they hit the front, courtesy of a cracking free-kick.
A neat flick from Jesse Lingard teed up Dele Alli at the edge of the box but the Tottenham midfielder was unduly hacked down. An early chance for England to assert themselves.
Danijel Subasic backed his wall to do their job.
Kieran Trippier backed himself.
The wall jumped but Trippier’s shot had enough height and pace to careen into the Croatian net and England were in ecstasy.
Croatia 0-1 England – England take the lead after just five minutes as Kieran Trippier scores his first ever international goal. #rtesoccer #worldcup #CRO #ENG pic.twitter.com/PpFHB1SE0E
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 11, 2018
The Spurs defender was mobbed by teammates and the thousands of England fans in attendance at the Luzhniki Stadium erupted.
With that goal, Trippier joined Bobby Charlton (1966) and Gary Lineker (1990) as English goalscorers in World Cup semi-finals. Lofty company indeed.
Harry Kane and Lingard went close to doubling the lead while Croatia were reduced to some more speculative efforts.
Ashley Young and Harry Maguire had good starts in Moscow but everyone was raving about that man Trippier:
Wow, just wow. Trippier you little hero. What a start.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 11, 2018
Jesus Christ. I can't cope. So f*cking happy for Trippier. Low-key been our best player in the tournament. Come on England!! 1-0 😃😃😃 #ENG #CROENG
— John-Luke (@JohnLuke_PW) July 11, 2018
Has Trippier ever taken a free kick for Spurs?!
— Chris I’Anson-Miller (@WindyCOYS) July 11, 2018
Wow. England fans in Hyde Park celebrate Kieran Trippier's semifinal goal v Croatia#CRO #ENG #ENGCRO #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/TusSHEXoio
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) July 11, 2018
Kieran Trippier is daddy
— Kenward Eugene (@_Kendoll_Jenner) July 11, 2018
Trippier? Tripping. This is like acid. Sorry for the pun but fuck.#WorldCup #ENG #ENGCRO #ItsComingHome
— Russell Brand (@rustyrockets) July 11, 2018
Yessss! Trippier – this lad is world class.
— Patrick O'Flynn (@oflynnsocial) July 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/itspastwelve/status/1017108304768720901
Some strike, in fairness.
Some start.
