Kieran Trippier returns to action after England's World Cup exit as he stars in Newcastle's friendly win over Rayo Vallecano... with the right-back and Nick Pope the first Three Lions men to line up for their clubs after heading back from Qatar
- Kieran Trippier featured in Newcastle's win over Rayo Vallecano on Saturday
- The England full-back was joined by Three Lions and club teammate Nick Pope
- Trippier and Pope are the first England stars to play after the World Cup in Qatar
- READ: Newcastle 2-1 Rayo Vallecano - Chris Wood and Sean Longstaff both score
Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope have returned to club football with Newcastle United during their 2-1 win over LaLiga outfit Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
Trippier was part of England's World Cup squad in Qatar, playing 242 minutes for the Three Lions as manager Gareth Southgate relied on the Newcastle defender during key group stage matches against Iran, USA, and Wales.
The attacking full-back finds himself back amongst his club teammates having landed back in England less than a week ago, with his appearance against Newcastle's Spanish opponents marking him as the first England player to step foot on the pitch.
![Kieran Trippier marked his return to Newcastle after the World Cup in Saturday's friendly](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/17/18/65686277-11549459-image-a-1_1671300386886.jpg)
Kieran Trippier marked his return to Newcastle after the World Cup in Saturday's friendly
![Trippier was joined by fellow England teammate and Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/17/18/65686275-11549459-image-m-3_1671300452119.jpg)
Trippier was joined by fellow England teammate and Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope
In contrast, England and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice was in the stands for his side's weekend draw with Fulham as many of the travelling national team stars enjoy extended breaks before the Premier League resumes.
![Trippier (right) played 80 minutes before being substituted](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/17/18/65686471-11549459-image-a-5_1671300488925.jpg)
Trippier (right) played 80 minutes before being substituted
The 32-year-old was Newcastle's most-used player at the World Cup with five Magpies stars making the trip to represent their various nations in Qatar.
Trippier started the match and played 80 minutes as goals from Sean Longstaff and striker Chris Wood helped Eddie Howe's side claim an impressive friendly victory over their European opposition.
The England star is regarded as one of Howe's key players and has been heavily involved in the club's stunning rise to third in the Premier League table.
Newcastle supporters will have been momentarily concerned when Trippier went down injured in the second-half and will have been glad to see him get back to his feet prior to his substitution.
England and Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope also featured, with the shot-stopper likely feeling slightly fresher than Trippier after not making an appearance for the Three Lions in Qatar.
Pope travelled and trained with the squad in the Middle East but wasn't required to make an appearance in matches, with Everton's Jordan Pickford and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale ahead of him in the goalkeeper pecking order.
Striker Callum Wilson was Newcastle's only England World Cup star not to play with Howe refusing to reveal too much about the striker's fitness at full-time.
![Trippier played a vital role in proceedings as 35,000 fans watched on at St James' Park](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/17/18/65686469-11549459-image-a-6_1671300499876.jpg)
Trippier played a vital role in proceedings as 35,000 fans watched on at St James' Park
![Trippier (left) and Pope (right) both came through the victory over Rayo Vallecano unscathed](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/12/17/18/65686463-11549459-image-a-7_1671300507102.jpg)
Trippier (left) and Pope (right) both came through the victory over Rayo Vallecano unscathed
'We've only seen Callum briefly, but I don't want to give too much away, to be honest,' said Howe.
Newcastle return to action on Tuesday evening when they face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.
Most watched Sport videos
- Aussie Olympians show off the freebies they received in Paris
- Reece Walsh and Joseph Sua'ali'i hug after State of Origin
- Moment LeBron learns he will be Team USA's Olympic flagbearer
- Fans brawl in the stands at the Los Angeles Dodgers game
- Young San Francisco basketball player stomps on opponent's head
- Andy Murray has announced retirement from tennis
- Trump mocks Biden golf skills after hitting two incredible shots
- Sir Mark Cavendish: 'I'm pretty sure this is my last Tour de France'
- Matt Shirvington is busted in one of his most embarrassing TV moments
- Dave Portnoy goes on wild 'lettuce head' rant after Biden steps down
- Aussie tests Olympics 'anti-sex beds' in Athletes Village
- Chris Wheeler visits Minnesota and ex-Man United coach Eric Ramsay