Speaking after our 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa, Eddie Howe backed Callum Wilson to make the World Cup squad, praised Almiron’s ‘incredible’ finish and claimed it was ‘one of the best performances of the season’.
The 44-year-old also offered an update on our injury situation, revealing that Fabian Schar was brought off as he was ‘feeling his hamstring’, with ‘a number of players’ feeling the effects of the ‘busy period’ after four games in the last fortnight.
The boss was ‘really pleased’ and full of praise for goalscorer Callum Wilson, who was being watched by Gareth Southgate ahead of his announcement of his World Cup squad.
Following another ‘incredible’ goal from Almiron – putting him on seven for the season – Howe hailed the Paraguayan’s work rate and ability to ‘keep going’ through the entire match. Here’s what Howe had to say on all of the above after the game.
Howe on the performance:
“That is up there with one of the best performances of the season. That is the football we want to produce. In the second half I stood back and really enjoyed it. The group mentality was very pleasing.’
“It was an outstanding performance, and we scored some great goals. It was a bitty first half, and that didn’t really suit us. We showed good energy in the second half, and the goals made the difference.
Howe on Wilson’s brace in front of Gareth Southgate:
“Really pleased for Callum. I’m not sure what the players know and don’t know about who comes and who’s watching them. I almost think it’s better you play your normal game, and aren’t over-thinking too much.
“Callum’s of course desperate to be involved with England. It’s one of his childhood dreams. He’ll be really pleased he played so well, scored two goals. His overall performance was very good.”
Howe on Almiron’s goal:
“It was an incredible strike. He’s got a great left foot. It was a pin-point finish. He never stopped, and kept going.”
Howe on injuries and Schar’s late withdrawal:
“We’re still carrying a few players who have got different bits and pieces. Fabian was just feeling his hamstring, I hope he’s OK.
“There’s a number of players today just feeling the effects of the busy period, so hopefully we’ve got nothing too serious.”
