KIERAN Trippier’s dad has defied killjoy council chiefs to put up a huge 20ft flag on his home after the England star said: “Do it for the lads”.
The Atletico Madrid star, 30, will have all eyes on him during the tournament as Premier League clubs line up to bring the full-back home.
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But no one will be watching Trippier as closely as his dad Chris, who spoke his son from the England training camp and wished him well.
And to show his support, the hod carrier has put up a huge 20ft flag bearing his son’s name – vowing to defy his local council if they complain.
The 55-year-old, from Bury, Greater Manchester, told SE Online: “I am a proud Englishman so am determined to put it up.
“I have had people stop and have their picture taken with it and I am so proud of Kieran.
“He loves it. In fact he rang me this morning asking me if I was putting up the flag.
“I told him I was and he said: ‘Do it dad – do it for the lads’.
“He has mentioned it to them as he is a real character and a bit of a wind up merchant.”
Killjoy council chiefs tried showing Chris the red card over the giant flag and his collection of 15 others during the World Cup in 2018.
But the proud dad is adamant he will keep the decoration up to show his support for the Three Lions.
He added: “Last time the council complained I had too many flags up.
“But they will get short shrift if they try again. I won’t be taking the big flag or any of the other down.
“No way.”
Chris is now hoping his son can repeat his heroics after scoring in the World Cup semi-final in 2018.
And he believes football could finally be coming home this summer as Gareth Southgate’s men prepare for their first game today against Croatia.
He said: “I am very confident England will do very well and hopefully win it.
“I see an England/France final with us winning.”
Chris is rooting for Kieran for more reasons than one – claiming the star should become the next captain if Harry Kane hangs up the armband.
And he said he wasn’t surprised to see his son’s name appear in Southgate’s 26-man squad.
Chris added: “I was confident as Gareth seems to like him.
“In fact I wouldn’t be surprised if he in next in line for the captain’s armband after Harry Kane.
“And I have no worries about there being so many full-backs as they can all play in different positions.”
Trippier is currently at the centre of transfer market speculation with Man Utd hoping to sign the ex-Spurs star.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be eager to strengthen his options at right-back – potentially moving Aaron Wan-Bissaka to a different position.
Trippier helped Atletico bag the La Liga title in May after joining the Spanish club from Tottenham in 2019 for around £20million.
The Bury-native grew up as a Utd fan despite playing for rivals City as a schoolboy.
But with an opening £10million bid rejected by the top-flight Spanish team, Trippier might not be returning home any time soon.
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