Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has hailed Callum Wilson for a 'superb' display in the Magpies rout of Aston Villa. The current number nine netted twice and registered an assist in the four-goal thrashing at St James' Park on Saturday.
England boss Gareth Southgate was in the stands, with Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Wilson all likely to be under consideration for next month's World Cup. However, the former Bournemouth star has not featured for his country since 2019 and was not included in the latest squad for the Nations League.
Wilson has outlined his ambition to earn a Three Lions call-up for Qatar, but has stressed he needs to perform on the pitch to force his way into Southgate's plans. The latest brace took his tally to six for the season so far, and it was a display which impressed all-time record goalscorer Shearer.
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The BBC pundit told Match of the Day: "It was one of his most important performances today in front of the England manager. He had to go out and perform, he's had his injury problems and there are centre-forward places up for grabs for the World Cup.
"I thought his performance today was superb and has probably cemented - if he's fit - his place in the England squad. He plays his part in the [opening] goal, they win the ball back and it's a lovely weight of pass into the magnificent Almiron.
"It's a really clever penalty, we said we think he might go straight down the middle. It's a really well-worked set-piece from Newcastle, good ball also from Trippier and he's there to finish it off [the second goal].
"He gave Tyrone Mings a torrid time all afternoon, he didn't know when to go tight or sit off him like he did there [for Almiron's goal] and give him time to take a touch and turn. He gets above Mings there and it's a magnificent header [hit the crossbar], and you can see the reaction of the crowd, his team-mates and the England manager."
Wilson's record so far this season was then compared to his likely rivals for a spot in England's squad next month. Harry Kane is the undisputed starter, but Shearer named the Magpies number nine alongside Tammy Abraham and Marcus Rashford as the attacking options Southgate should select.
Shearer added: "If Callum Wilson is fit, there's no doubt in my mind that he should go. He's had injury problems, there's no denying that, but if he's fit then for me, he has to go because he provides something different."
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