KIERAN TRIPPIER hopes England turn the heat up on BBQ pal Antoine Griezmann on Saturday — when the steaks could not be higher.
Newcastle’s right-back is looking forward to once again seeing the Frenchman, who he considered part of the “family” during his spell at Atletico Madrid.
Trippier, 32, spent 18 months in the Spanish capital — winning the LaLiga title — before joining Newcastle in January.
He said: “Griezy is a great guy. We got on really well. His English is good and he really helped me when I was there, even though he arrived after me. I’ve huge respect for him.
“As a player abroad, you find it hard at times and Griezy helped me. It was like a big family.
“In Madrid, we all lived in an area called La Finca.
“It was brilliant as we would finish training at 11.30am, the sun is shining and we were having barbecues. What more can you ask for?
“We would go round each other’s houses as it was ten seconds away.
“Griezy is the joker of the dressing room. He’s one of those bubbly guys, always playing pranks.
“We last spoke a few months back. I have huge respect for him — but I hope Saturday is a good day for us.”
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST BETTING APPS FOR THE WORLD CUP
Incredibly, Griezmann has played the last 71 games for France and the last match he missed was the 3-2 friendly win over England in 2017.
Coincidentally, that was Trippier’s Three Lions debut. The Toon ace added: “I was lucky to play with him. He is certainly a player to keep an eye on.
“He has the individual quality to find a pass, score a goal and arrive in the box.
“You look all over the France team and they have quality everywhere.
“They have individuals. But it’s a one-off game and we are ready.”
Trippier, like Harry Maguire, yesterday spoke of the belief within this current England squad.
Maguire had claimed England have “got to win the World Cup”, and Trippier explained: “We shouldn’t be ashamed to say we want to win it.”
As for the mood in camp, Trippier added: “Everyone is relaxed, so is Gareth [Southgate].
“He takes his meeting and then we get in the dressing room and listen to some horrific songs from some of the lads!”
