Eddie Howe has revealed that Callum Wilson’s England hopes have “come up” in a recent conversation between himself and Gareth Southgate, insisting he has a “very good relationship” with the Three Lions boss.
With the World Cup in Qatar kicking off in November, our number nine is desperate to force his way back into the fold – and Howe believes he’ll score the goals to do exactly that IF he can stay fit.
It was never a lack of quality that kept the 30-year-old out of reckoning for the national squad, but rather his unfortunate injury record since making the jump to the top-flight with Bournemouth.
After signing for the Magpies in 2020, Wilson has maintained an impressive one in two goal record and has consistently shown his natural finishing ability, proving to be one of the most prolific English forwards behind Harry Kane.
However, in his two full seasons at the club, the Coventry-born striker missed 30 Premier League games due to injury, hindering his case for another call-up to the Three Lions squad – his first since 2019.
On Southgate and Wilson, Howe said:
“I have spoken to Gareth a number of times, we have a very good relationship. And yes, Callum has come up.
“The World Cup? Of course there is a possibility, Callum has done it before. The only thing that has stopped him being regularly in that squad is injuries.
“He will be looking to stay fit and contribute goals for us, and if he does that he will elevate himself back into Gareth’s thinking, for sure. The ability is there, touch wood he can play the games. For me, he’s one of the best strikers in England.
“The only question mark against his name is: how many games does he play? If he plays enough games, I passionately believe he will score enough goals to play himself into the squad.”
Last year, Wilson recorded an average of 0.52 goals per 90, a feat beaten by just two strikers – Cristiano Ronaldo and Jamie Vardy.
If Howe can successfully manage his fitness and the player himself avoid any freak injuries, there’s no reason why our number nine shouldn’t be travelling to Qatar in three months time.
