Speaking on Match of the Day, Alan Shearer has backed Callum Wilson, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Tammy Abraham as the forwards to take to the World Cup next month.
After scoring a brace in our 4-0 victory over Aston Villa, the Toon legend believes Wilson should be England’s back-up to Kane – claiming he’s “probably cemented” his place in the squad after Saturday’s performance.
The 30-year-old has now scored six in his first nine games of the season and has proven to be one of the most consistent English goalscorers when fit.
Wilson has been a handful and capable finisher ever since he entered the league with Bournemouth, but injuries have held back his goal tallies and ability to earn a regular spot in Southgate’s squad, with his last cap coming in 2019.
Here’s what Shearer had to say about our number nine on Saturday night, believing he, Rashford, Kane and Abraham will get in ahead of Ivan Toney, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins:
“If Callum Wilson is fit, there’s no doubt in my mind he should go. He’s had injury problems there’s no denying that, but for me he has to, I think he offers something different.
“It was one of his most important performances today in front of the England manager. He had to get out there and perform.
“There are centre-forward places up for grabs and I thought his performance was superb and he’s probably cemented his place his position in that England squad.”
With just one more round of fixtures to play until Gareth Southgate names his squad on 10 November, Wilson will be very hopeful that his recent performances have been enough to confirm his position.
