England goal hero Kieran Trippier gave his shirt to 11-year-old fan after historic World Cup semi-final
England goal scoring hero Kieran Trippier gave his shirt to 11-year-old fan Alfie Wall after the semi-final match
ENGLAND World Cup hero Kieran Trippier gave his semi-final shirt to a delighted 11-year-old fan after the star hobbled off at the end of the Croatia match.
Alfie Wall, a Millwall supporter from Bexley, was handed the England goalscorers’ shirt – after asking him for it on the “Lions Den” Facetime chat before the match.
Trippier sent English hearts leaping after he hammered home an early free kick against Croatia before the Three Lions eventually lost.
Alfie’s dad Anthony, 37, a scaffolder, said: “He’s over the moon, he won't wash it!”
The 11-year-old took part in the "Lions Den" Facetime chat with Trippier on Sunday where he politely signed off by asking whether he could have his semi-final shirt after the final whistle.
Anthony said: “At the end of the game in Moscow we went round to where the players’ families were and we asked Trippier for the shirt. He said ‘wait there’ and then a few minutes later a physio came back with the shirt.
“We just want to say thank you to Trippier. He's a legend. It just shows how the connection is back between the players and fans. It’s unbelievable. Little things like this really do make kids dreams come true. The man is pure class.
“He’s given his shirt to Alfie even though it's the one he's played in when he’s scored in the semi-final of the World Cup, he’s made Alfie's trip unforgettable."
The 37-year-old added: “After the Belgium group game Dele Alli and Jack Butland gave Alfie their training tops as well, and he also got his picture taken with Trent Alexander Arnold, Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard.”
Anthony said his son had taken Trippier’s semi-final shirt into school today and even teachers at Danson Primary School were queuing up to get a photo with it.
He said: “He took it in for a show and tell and it was locked away in the headmistress’ office afterwards so it wouldn’t get lost.”
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The Walls, who also attended Euro 2016 with his Dad, are now planning a trip to Seville in October to watch the Three Lions take on Spain.
His dad said: “Apart from the Belgium game it was brilliant [in Russia] and to come away with a souvenir like this is even better.
“I also think Trippier has been our best player and the best right back in the tournament. He's also only the third England player to ever score in a World Cup semi-final.”
