Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope return for Newcastle after England’s World Cup exit

Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope returned to club football with Newcastle United in Saturday’s 2-1 win over La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano.

Trippier was part of England’s World Cup squad in Qatar and played 242 minutes for the Three Lions as manager Gareth Southgate relied on the Newcastle defender in key group stage games against Iran, USA and Wales.

The attacking full-back finds himself among his team-mates after landing back in England less than a week ago. His performance against Spanish opponents Newcastle marks him as the first English player back on the pitch.

Kieran Trippier marked his return to Newcastle after Saturday’s World Cup friendly

Trippier was joined by his England team-mate and Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope

In contrast, England and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice was in the stands for his side’s draw against Fulham at the weekend as many of the traveling national team stars enjoy extended breaks before the Premier League resumes.

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 journey to represent their various nations in Qatar.

Trippier started the game and played 80 minutes as goals from Sean Longstaff and forward Chris Wood helped Eddie Howe’s side to an impressive friendly win over their European rivals.

The England star is considered one of Howe’s key players and has been instrumental in the club’s stunning rise to third in the Premier League table.

Newcastle supporters will have been concerned for a moment when Trippier fell injured in the second half and welcomed him to bounce back ahead of his substitution.

England and Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope also played along, with the shot-stopper likely feeling a little fresher than Trippier did after not playing for the Three Lions in Qatar.

Pope has traveled and trained with the squad in the Middle East but has not had to appear ahead of him in the goalkeeping pecking order in games with Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.

Trippier played a key role in the event as 35,000 fans watched in St James’ Park

Trippier (left) and Pope (right) survived the win over Rayo Vallecano unscathed

Forward Callum Wilson was Newcastle’s only England World Cup star not to play with Howe, who refused to reveal too much about the forward’s full-time fitness.

“We only saw Callum briefly, but I honestly don’t want to give too much away,” Howe said.