Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has backed Callum Wilson to make England’s World Cup squad this winter. Injury problems have hampered the Magpies’ striker on Tyneside but, when fit, his goal return cannot be questioned.
A deft finish on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest showcased exactly what the number nine is capable of. On arrival, Wilson declared his ambition was to break back into the Three Lions setup.
Gareth Southgate gave the 30-year-old all four of his England caps but has not called up the striker since October 2019. With a lack of backup options to first-choice forward Harry Kane, Wilson has an outside chance of making the plane providing he stays fit.
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Ahead of the 3-3 draw with Man City, Richards insisted the Newcastle talisman should be an option for Southgate in Qatar. He told Sky Sports : “He’s (Wilson) just a nightmare to play against. He’ll win all the headers and be aggressive, and then if you switch off for one minute, he’ll come behind you.
“A lot of players like to come to feet, look pretty… he’s a different option. I would have him (World Cup) just for that impact off the bench. If you’re looking at fitness, it’s an issue and when you get to a tournament, you want everyone fit, but just for that composure in front of goal (he should go).”
Ex-Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also gave Wilson a positive appraisal. The Dutchman highlighted how the Toon talisman comes “alive” in and around the penalty area.
“He’s more interested in the final third,” Hasselbaink added. “That’s where he comes alive. His movement is really good.
“You can’t teach people that. He’s so important to Newcastle; they need to keep him fit. You have to have that hunger to make that movement. He’s a goalscorer of a number nine and that’s why he comes alive in the box.”
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