Callum Wilson's 2017 promise comes good as Gareth…

Callum Wilson's 2017 promise comes good as Gareth Southgate gets England boost on and off the pitch

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson is closing in on a personal dream five years in the making after earning a call-up for the 2022 World Cup later this month. Barring any late injuries or ailments, the Magpies centre-forward will be heading out to Qatar to represent his country at the biggest tournament in world football for the very first time.

When Wilson visited the Gulf state while recovering from an injury setback in 2017, he publicly vowed to return in five years time as a fully-fit part of the England setup. Many doubted if it was possible at the time but when Gareth Southgate unveiled his 26-man squad for the inaugural winter World Cup on Thursday, the 30-year-old's name sat alongside club team-mates Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope.

Wilson has enjoyed a fine run of form lately, adding to his impressive Newcastle spell as a whole. However, it hasn't always been plain sailing for the former Bournemouth man in recent years.

Two crushing ACL injuries at the Cherries, plus countless calf and hamstring problems on Tyneside have at times threatened to derail his career. Yet Wilson just continues to come back stronger each time, returning to the first-team fold after long spells out as if he hadn't missed a second of action.

Those who have worked closely with Wilson over the years all speak incredibly highly of him and praise his tenacity and hard-work both on and off the pitch. His dressing room standing and presence explains why he has been trusted with the Newcastle armband at times in recent months.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe didn't want to put any added pressure on Southgate in recent weeks but has championed Wilson, and all his players, at every turn in the run up to the tournament by stating he has a lot to offer whether playing or not.

"I do back Callum, and I think Gareth does as well. I think he loves the player," Howe said recently. “Callum is an outstanding goalscorer, but he’s also an outstanding team-mate.

"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.”

For sections of the footballing world situated outside the north east, Wilson's inclusion raised eyebrows this week, with Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney's omissions sparking debate on social media. Yet Wilson has capitalised when it matters, scoring goals for fun of late just in time for the mid-season break.

Southgate addressed the decision to leave Abraham out, explaining his form for AS Roma of late proved to be the reason behind his snub. Wilson, however, has scored four in his previous seven outings, as well as helping himself to two assists in that period.

Crucially, Wilson also found the net against Manchester City and twice against Aston Villa earlier this term as Southgate watched both clashes from the St James' Park terraces. Hopefully he can continue that fine form on the international stage later this month.

Callum Wilson's 2017 promise comes good as Gareth Southgate gets England boost on and off the pitch

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