Kieran Trippier has the opportunity to bolster his game-time this summer after making a full recovery from a foot injury. The England full-back completed his first 90 minutes since February in the 2-1 win at Burnley.
Trippier will now have a short break before linking up with the Three Lions again for the first time since a 5-0 win in Andorra during World Cup qualification. But it is the UEFA Nations League that could offer Trippier the chance to boost his chances of playing at the greatest show on earth in Qatar.
Ahead of Trippier and England lie away games in Hungary and Germany before home clashes - in Wolverhampton - against Italy and Hungary again on UK soil. It gives Trippier the chance to be ready for the challenge of pre-season after months of sidelines.
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Trippier will link up with England in early June before the final game at Molineux against Hungary on June 14. He will then get another mini break and report back with Newcastle in time for the start of the pre-season friendlies.
Trippier told Chronicle Live: "I would have liked to have played more games. "This is football, I had my injury and I am experienced enough now to deal with that.
"I played 90 minutes at Burnley. I am absolutely delighted with that but Gareth Southgate is the manager and I know what type of opposition I will be up against. As always I will be ready if called upon."
Trippier is in a strong field when it comes to right-backs but has the experience of helping England to a major semi-final in 2018 in the World Cup and last year's Euro 2020 final. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker and James Justin are all in the squad. Trippier put in a solid show against the Clarets on Sunday to finish the season on a high.
Trippier said: "It has been a great second half to the season. But it has been a long season for us as players but we turned the corner since January. This is the first step. Now we need to just enjoy our break and come back in pre-season flying and go again."
