ENGLAND star Kieran Trippier made a surprise visit to his former school — less than a week after returning from the World Cup.

The Bury-born wing-back excelled as Gareth Southgate’s side reached the last four in Russia, and although he is now enjoying a well-earned rest ahead of the new Premier League season, he still found time to call in at Woodhey High School last Thursday.

The 27-year-old, who grew up in Summerseat, spent two hours meeting staff and pupils, as well as presenting prizes at an end of year assembly.

He then met a year eight PE class for a question and answer session before his competitive side got the better of him and he took part in a girls’ relay event alongside three members of staff.

Howard Turner, assistant headteacher at Woodhey, said: “It was so good of Kieran to take time to visit us only a week after his fantastic performance against Croatia and ten days before he returns to pre-season training with Tottenham.

“Nothing was too much for him and he spent over two hours signing autographs and having pictures taken, I think the staff were more excited than the pupils!”

Although the Three Lions’ dreams came to an end following a 2-1 semi-final defeat at the hands of Croatia two weeks ago, it was Trippier’s early goal from a free-kick that meant England had one foot in the final, before their opponents responded with two goals of their own..

And, as the Tottenham Hotspur man caught the eye with impressive performances throughout the tournament, the national media descended on the school, in Bolton Road West, where he was a pupil from 2002 to 2007.

On the day of the Croatia game, both Radio 5 Live and BBC Breakfast broadcast live from Woodhey, while staff were also interviewed on Radio Manchester and Talksport during the World Cup.

A BBC Match Of The Day Kickabout segment, where pupils were filmed attempting to replicate Trippier’s free kick against Croatia, will also be screened on Saturday, August 11 — the morning of the first set of Premier League fixtures.

Mr Turner added: “We have had an extremely busy time recently. To cap all of this off with a visit from Kieran has been a brilliant experience for all of us.

“We cannot thank him enough and it shows what a really genuine lad he is by not forgetting his past.’’