Newcastle’s trio of England World Cup stars have been handed their squad numbers for the upcoming competition in Qatar. Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, and Callum Wilson have been training hard in the heat at the England training base, and have now been informed of which numbers they will carry on the back of their Three Lions jerseys.
Manager Gareth Southgate has decided to hand the numbers 1-12 to the same players that wore them at Euro 2020, so the Toon’s Kieran Trippier will once again be in possession of the number 12 shirt. 12 is the same number that Trippier donned when scoring a trademark free kick in the semi-final defeat to Croatia four years ago at World Cup 2018 in Russia.
Despite Jordan Pickford once again being handed the number 1 jersey for Qatar, Newcastle stopper Nick Pope will be hoping to oust the Everton keeper to take his place between the posts for Monday’s opener against Iran. Pope has been handed the number 13 jersey for the tournament, whilst another goalkeeping rival, Aaron Ramsdale, will wear 23.
Callum Wilson forced his way into Southgate’s World Cup squad late in the day, and Newcastle’s number 9 has been given the number 24 as he plays backup to England captain, Harry Kane. Kane will of course lead the line in his regular number 9 shirt, but Wilson will be hoping for some game time after an impressive season so far with the Magpies.
Newcastle’s other three World Cup participants have also been handed their squad numbers for their respective nations. Fabian Schar will wear number 22 for Switzerland, whilst star midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes, will don the number 17 jersey for favourites, Brazil. 18-year-old Garang Kuol, who is set to join Newcastle in January, will wear number 21 for his native Australia.