Callum Wilson is unlikely to be included in England's World Cup squad unless Gareth Southgate has a 'few injuries' to contend with. That is the view of Tim Sherwood, who insists the priority for the Newcastle United striker has to be staying fit himself.
Wilson has finished as the Magpies' top scorer in the last two seasons, despite being plagued by injuries since his move from Bournemouth. The number nine is already off the mark for the new campaign after netting in the comfortable opening-day win over Nottingham Forest.
Wilson has not hidden his ambition of earning a Three Lions recall in recent years, having last appeared for his country in October 2019. The 30-year-old repeated this desire in his post-match interview on Saturday, outlining his aim to earn a callup for the winter World Cup.
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Sherwood praised Wilson for his instinctive finish against Forest, and admits he is a 'little bit different' to Southgate's other striking options. However, the former Aston Villa and Tottenham boss feels the priority right now for the Newcastle forward has to be keeping fit and starting regularly for his club.
Sherwood told Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday: "He needs to keep himself fit, first and foremost. I think he has got a lot to offer and is a little bit different to some of the strikers we have. He plays on the last man and is a real threat.
"I think any centre-half who plays against him knows they've been in a game. The finish today was a poacher's goal, it's what he's all about. He was in the right place at the right time.
"He was thinking about getting across the front and he does it and he keeps doing it. He's not deterred, he can miss chances but he doesn't ever get down on himself. He just waits for the next one.
"Who knows? There's going to be injuries, they're never ever going to be all fit. I think he's going to need a few injuries to get himself into the squad but good luck to him."
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