Callum Wilson still holds belief that he can be on the England plane to the Middle East for next month’s World Cup. Wilson was quick to point out that he was not available for selection for the two UEFA Nations League games against Italy and Germany which saw Gareth Southgate’s side relegated to League B. And he feels he has the window of opportunity to impress the under-pressure England boss ahead of the Qatar tournament. When asked about being included in the 26-man squad and if he’d given up hope,
Callum Wilson said: “No, no. Of course not. I wasn’t available for selection for the last squads against Italy and Germany. I think if I was fit my performances would have had to stay at the level they were to get me in. There’s nine games and there’s an opportunity to play well in those games and focus on the performances and the process. I don’t see why not. Behind Harry Kane I don’t see why I can’t follow and be the second striker.”
A quick glance at the top scorers chart in the Premier League shows that Wilson is certainly in the mix with the rest of the English forwards available. Kane has seven goals, Phil Foden and Ivan Toney have five each while Wilson, James Maddison, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling all have three apiece. Wilson, who looked annoyed when he was subbed at Craven Cottage,
Callum Wilson said: “It’s probably why I was so disappointed (to be subbed) at Fulham. You want to get extra goals next to your name and time is running out. At the end of the season you are judged on goals but in November you will be now too. It’s about focusing on Newcastle and doing my talking on the pitch. Ultimately we’ll see where we end up. But I will give it my best shot, if I fall short I fall short. At least I can say I have gave it 110%.”
Wilson though believes he has given England food for thought after a successful return this weekend.
Callum Wilson added: “Games like Fulham it is about taking chances. There’s going to be people watching games and how you perform after injury. You want to hit the ground running straight away. Basically it’s about getting on the scoresheet as quickly as possible. I felt like I done that. It’s three in four, my tally is OK but it’s something I can work in the coming weeks.”