Callum Wilson, Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope will all be representing England at the 2022 World Cup after earning a place in Gareth Southgate's 26-man squad for the Qatar showpiece. The Three Lions chief announced his tournament selection on Thursday, ending weeks of speculation regarding who would make the cut.
Southgate has kept a close eye on Newcastle prospects in recent weeks, watching the Magpies in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa and the 4-1 victory over Southampton last weekend. The England boss has been reluctant to call upon players from the north east outfit in recent years before the takeover changed things for those playing on Tyneside.
Trippier and Pope were always expected to make the winter tournament barring any injury setbacks but Wilson's selection was up for debate despite his stellar form in front of goal for Newcastle of late. The striker hasn't appeared for his country since 2019 but forced his way into Southgate's plan in recent weeks.
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Speaking earlier month, Wilson reaffirmed his desire to earn a spot on the plane to Qatar. “For me, I’m just focussing on my performances," he said.
"Game in game out, little by little, trying to add goals but also all-round performance I think I’m trying to improve. Hopefully, it catches the eye of the England manager — that’s my dream to play at a World Cup."
One Newcastle player who didn't make the cut is Dan Burn. The versatile defender has been included in the World Cup conversation of late after enjoying some fine performances when deployed at left-back this season.
Speaking earlier this month, Howe backed his defender to do a job for his country if called upon. "Gareth will know Dan inside and out and he'll know his capabilities," he told reporters.
"So just looking at Dan individually as I do, he can play in various positions, he's an incredible person and he's been a model of consistency for me and he's got great leadership skills. I couldn't place a higher value on him and what he's delivered for me and I think he can do that on the international stage, but obviously that's Gareth's call."
England squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Nick Pope, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Kieran Trippier, Harry Maguire, Ben White, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Luke Shaw, Conor Coady, Eric Dier
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, James Maddison, Mason Mount, Conor Gallagher
Attackers: Callum Wilson, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka
