Gareth Southgate is considering Callum Wilson for his World Cup squad

England boss Gareth Southgate is considering Callum Wilson in an attempt to bolster his attacking options… as Eddie Howe talks up the Newcastle striker’s chances of making the Three Lions’ World Cup squad

  • Eddie Howe reveals Gareth Southgate has discussed Callum Wilson with him
  • The 30-year-old striker could be in line for a call-up to the 2022 World Cup squad
  • The Magpies boss believes that his player is one of the best strikers in England
  • The Newcastle frontman has four England caps to his name since his 2018 debut 
  • And he believes he can make Southgate’s squad if he can remain injury free
  • Wilson missed four months of action last season as a result of an Achilles injury 
  • Click here for all the latest World Cup 2022 news and updates

Eddie Howe has revealed that Gareth Southgate has spoken to him about Callum Wilson, with the Newcastle striker intent on making England’s World Cup squad.

The 30-year-old has four international caps but last played under Southgate in 2019, having scored on his debut against USA the year before.

The Three Lions boss has limited options behind Harry Kane in attack and Wilson believes he can make a push for Qatar if staying clear of injury.

Gareth Southgate is considering Callum Wilson for his World Cup squad to support Harry Kane

Howe agrees and says Southgate has checked on the form and fitness of his No.9.

‘I have spoken to Gareth a number of times, we have a very good relationship. And yes, Callum has come up,’ said the Newcastle head coach.

‘Of course there is a possibility (he can make squad), Callum has done it before. The only thing that has stopped him being regularly in that squad is injuries. He will be looking to stay fit and contribute goals for us, and if he does that he will elevate himself back into Gareth’s thinking, for sure. The ability is there, touch wood he can play the games.’

Howe added: ‘I agree (Wilson is not far behind Kane in the pecking order). For me, he’s one of the best strikers in England. The only question mark against his name is how many games he plays. If he plays enough games, I passionately believe he will score enough goals to play himself into the squad.’

Wilson last played under Southgate in 2019 and has four appearances to his name so far

Wilson scored in Newcastle’s 2-0 opening day win against Nottingham Forest and believes double figures will be enough to secure a spot in Southgate’s squad

Wilson, who scored during Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend, said: ‘I back myself, I want to go the World Cup, so it’s about hitting the ground running.

‘I am sure double figures would get you into the squad. At the moment, I’m probably not in the running, but it is something that is in my mind, focusing on, and when I set my targets, I try to achieve them.

‘We will see where we end up in 15 games. It is about clearing mini-hurdles, little tests I set myself as a striker. Getting off the mark. Get back-to-back goals. Get braces and hat-tricks. We were favourites against Nottingham Forest, a newly-promoted side. I wanted to score, and I did that.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe revealed that Southgate has discussed the striker with him

‘My goal ratio is good and it is about maintaining that and adding to that. It is one goal now, but don’t score for 10 games and it has gone to waste.’

Wilson, who missed four months last season with an Achilles injury, added: ‘For me, it is about keeping that noise (fitness issues) quiet this season, putting that doubt to bed. I have no doubts about my body.

‘Sometimes, I am my own worst enemy. I go out there 70-80 per cent because I want to help the team. It doesn’t do me justice. I have had a good pre-season, very good physically and I’m 100 per cent fit. The more I am on the pitch, the more I will score, and the more records I will try to achieve.’




Share this article

Source: Read Full Article