Former Newcastle United player Kieron Dyer has backed Callum Wilson to earn a spot in the England World Cup squad.
It will have been a fearful moment on Sunday afternoon for Newcastle fans and England manager Gareth Southgate as Callum Wilson failed to emerge for the second half of their latest clash, especially considering his shocking injury record.
Wilson has already spent time on the sidelines this season with a hamstring injury, but his failure to complete the game at Southampton was seemingly just down to a cold and the forward feeling a bit dizzy, which is better than him nursing a muscular injury given he’s being hotly tipped to go to Qatar.
And speaking on The Football Daily podcast about whether he would take Wilson to the World Cup, Dyer was in no doubt that the striker should indeed be going to Qatar.
He said: “100%, who else is there? There’s no strikers really on form. Obviously, Rashford’s making a late charge, they’re talking about Calvert-Lewin. Still, I don’t think he’s done enough.
“I think it was quite telling that Ivan Toney was picked in the last squad and didn’t even get a tryout, but he’s fantastic at penalties – you know how bad England are at penalties – he also gives you a different option if you want to go direct and long.
Should Wilson go to the World Cup?
Yes!
No!
“So yeah, I can see Ivan Toney giving himself a chance, but Wilson will go, I feel.”
TIF Thoughts on Wilson going to the World Cup…
It would be huge for Wilson if he was to go to the World Cup having never been to one before, as well as having not earned an England cap since 2019 when he was playing for Bournemouth under current manager Eddie Howe.
However, even if Wilson does go, it’s hard to see him getting any meaningful minutes given Harry Kane is the captain and the first name on every teamsheet, but it would still likely be an honour for him.
If Wilson doesn’t end up going to the World Cup, Newcastle and Howe will likely be disappointed for their number nine, however, it would allow the club to keep an eye on him, look after his muscles (particularly his hamstrings), and ensure he’s fit and ready to go for the second half of the season.