Wilson in England squad ‘huge’ for NUFC

Pundit Tam McManus claims that Callum Wilson being picked in the England squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar would be ‘huge’ for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: In 55-man list

As per The Athletic, Wilson is on Gareth Southgate’s 55-man longlist for the upcoming tournament, which has to be cut down to 26 before it starts.

His last appearance for the Three Lions came in 2019, but his exceptional form this season, which has seen him score six goals and make two assists in nine games in the Premier League (Transfermarkt), means that he is in the conversation for a place on the plane.

The Latest: ‘Huge deal’

Speaking to Football Insider, McManus has claimed that it would be ‘massive’ for Wilson if he made the squad, and the 41-year-old added that it would also be a ‘huge deal’ for the Magpies:

“He should absolutely go to Qatar.

“He is in fantastic form, and he must have convinced Southgate with that performance against Villa. As a striker, what more can you do to convince a manager?

“I think Newcastle will want him to go. There is the risk he gets an injury and misses some of the second half of the season but Newcastle have other options. Isak is still coming back.

“The club will be supporting Callum, I’m sure of that. Just think what it would do for his confidence if he went to the World Cup and scored.

“It would be massive. If he goes, it’s not the end of the world for Newcastle. It would be a huge deal for the club on and off the pitch.”

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The Verdict: Deserved

Wilson deserves a place in the squad given his form so far this campaign and the fact that he has managed to keep himself largely injury-free, having experienced constant injury problems throughout his career at St. James’ Park.

Only Harry Kane and Ivan Toney have scored more goals than him in the league in terms of English forwards, and only Kane is averaging more goals per 90 minutes.

His team-mates Nick Pope and Kieran Trippier will also be hoping to be on the plane alongside Wilson, which would be big for Eddie Howe’s side to have three representatives at the tournament.

Nonetheless, with Kane a certainty to go as England captain, there is a space left for his depute, and Wilson looks to be one of the strongest candidates to take that spot at the moment.