Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Gabriel Agbonlahor admits he wouldn’t take Callum Wilson to Qatar

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Image for Newcastle United: Gabriel Agbonlahor admits he wouldn’t take Callum Wilson to Qatar

TalkSport pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has revealed that he would bring Ivan Toney to the World Cup over Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson.

The former Premier League striker has given his verdict with Gareth Southgate set to name his England squad this week.

The Athletic reported that Wilson was on the 55-man ‘longlist’ for the upcoming tournament following a fine first half of the season with the Toon.

Eddie Howe’s side are flying high in third place, with the centre-forward netting six goals in 10 games. 

However, despite the 30-year-old’s form, Agbonlahor feels Toney will get the nod over the Magpies striker.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said:

“It is very difficult to say that he [Wilson] deserves it.

“You have to go off the whole season. Ivan Toney has been in outstanding form. He has been scoring great goals.

“Wilson is a very good striker but will his injuries be an issue? Perhaps Gareth Southgate will look at it and think his injury record is too risky. All of these things come into a manager’s thinking.

“[Marcus] Rashford is on form, will he go as a striker as opposed to a winger? There are a few strikers battling for that backup spot.

“Wilson is the most similar to Kane. He is a finisher. He is not necessarily one that will hold the ball up or win headers.

“Wilson needs to show that extra bit before the World Cup, I think. If I was to choose, I would go for Ivan Toney. I think he is more physical. You also have to take into account the fact that he is playing for a worse team.”

TIF Thoughts on Agbonlahor’s comments…

Will Wilson make the World Cup squad?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Fitness concerns have always been an issue for Wilson, and considering he has missed 30 games since the start of last season, it’s no wonder why Agbonlahor has his concerns.

However, despite the ex-Aston Villa striker’s argument for Toney playing at a lesser side at Brentford, that can’t take away from the fact that Wilson is Howe’s main centre-forward for a club that were staring down the barrel of relegation this time last year.

The former Bournemouth star is also slightly ahead of his Bees compatriot in terms of goals per 90 minutes with 0.70 compared to Toney’s 0.62, but it remains to be seen who Southgate decides to take.

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