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Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says striker Callum Wilson can be a perfect squad member for England at the 2022 World Cup.
Wilson’s time with the Magpies has been hampered by various injuries, but he has more than proven himself when finally fit.
The striker has four goals from his eight Newcastle appearances this season. He missed five successive matches with a hamstring injury, but is now playing regular club football. The forward scored in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle striker has the “complete package”
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Spurs striker Harry Kane is undoubtedly England’s first-choice striker. The captain is in fine form this season with 10 Premier League goals.
It leaves Roma’s Tammy Abraham and Brentford’s Ivan Toney as Wilson’s main competitors for a backup role. Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin may also be in contention.
The Toffees striker also scored over the weekend, but had been struggling with injury for around half a year before his recent return.
Newcastle boss Howe believes Wilson is the perfect fit for England at Qatar this winter. As reported by The Northern Echo, he said: “I’m in a difficult position because I don’t want to put Gareth under unnecessary pressure or create headlines.
“That’s not my style as a manager to another manager. But I do back Callum, and I think Gareth does as well. I think he loves the player.
“Callum is an outstanding goalscorer, but he’s also an outstanding team-mate so, if he was to go to a major tournament, he’d support the players that are playing and wait for his opportunity to play.
“So for me, he’s got the complete package, but that’s Gareth’s decision, and whatever decision he makes will be the right one.”
Newcastle star Wilson dreaming of World Cup place
At 30 years old, Qatar may just be Wilson’s last chance to represent England at the World Cup. The striker believes his injury problems are now behind him, having played in each of Newcastle’s last five matches.
Despite the heavy competition, Wilson is dreaming of a World Cup spot. He has four England caps to his name so far.
“I’m just focused on my performances, game in, game out, little by little – adding goals and all-round performances,” said Wilson. “Hopefully, that will catch the eye of the England manager.
“I did rehab from injury in Qatar a few years ago. They were building the stadiums [for the World Cup] and I did say I’d come back. It’s my dream to play at the World Cup.”
Howe’s other English players also shining
Wilson is certainly not the only English player catching the eye at Newcastle this season. His club teammates Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier have been in superb form in the current Premier League campaign.
The Magpies boast the best defensive record this season. They have conceded just 10 goals from their 12 matches. Top two sides Arsenal and Manchester City have each conceded 11.
Both Pope and Trippier are expected to feature in Gareth Southgate’s final squad for the 2022 World Cup. The boss is set to name his players for the tournament around mid-November.
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