Callum Wilson's dream of representing England at a major tournament edged closer on Tuesday as he was included in Gareth Southgate's initial 55-man shortlist for the Qatar showpiece next month. Wilson, who netted a brace in front of the Three Lions boss on Saturday, hasn't featured for the national side since 2019 but has aspirations of earning a timely recall later this month.
The Newcastle forward has been in fine form this season despite injury problems continuing to disrupt his career on Tyneside. Wilson found the net against Tottenham earlier this month before adding another two to his tally in the 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa at the weekend.
Chronicle Live understands Wilson has been included in Southgate's pre-selection list for this month's tournament, along with the likes of Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Tammy Abraham and Raheem Sterling. The England boss is expected to submit his final 26-man squad next Monday.
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Southgate was in attendance at St James' Park over the weekend to cast his eye over a host of English players as Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope, Dan Burn, Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings, Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa battled it out in the north east.
The dilemma for Newcastle concerns the risk Wilson could suffer another injury setback by going away with the national side this winter. While a host of supporters are championing his inclusion in Southgate's final squad, a section of the St James' Park faithful would welcome a rest for the forward.
Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghoudoussi were sat next to the England boss on Saturday and will have no doubt been trying to coax an answer out on him on Wilson's chance. As for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, he has backed his No 9 to fulfil his dream and earn a spot on the plane.
“I’m really pleased for Callum today," he said after the 4-0 win. "I’m not too aware what the players know and what they don’t know about who comes and who’s watching them. I almost think it’s better, you just play your normal game and you’re not overthinking too much.
“Callum is, of course, desperate to be involved with England, it’s one of his childhood dreams, so he will be really pleased that he played so well.
Wilson spent a portion of 2017 in Doha, Qatar as he stepped up his injury rehabilitation while at Bournemouth. It was there in the Gulf state that he vowed to be back five years later with his country.
“I’ve been asked numerous times about England, and I’ve told people what I think and how I feel, my goals and ambitions, but it was time for me to put all of that to bed,” Wilson told NUFC TV recently. “I’ve answered the questions about it, so it’s time for me to let my football do the talking now.
“It’s time for me to go out there and perform. I’ve tried to do that, and that’s all I can do, keep putting my name forward. I can just show what I’m about, then hopefully, we’ll see where we end up.”
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