As revealed by The Telegraph, Callum Wilson hopes of making England’s World Cup squad have received a fresh boost after it emerged the FA have been liaising with Newcastle’s medical team over his fitness programme.
However, despite the striker being named in Gareth Southgate’s 55-man longlist – which also features injured stars Reece James and Kalvin Phillips – it seems some on Tyneside are concerned he’ll miss the cut.
The report states that ‘senior sources’ at St James’ Park hold ‘private fears’ that Wilson’s injury record will work against him.
Gareth Southgate was present to watch the 30-year-old score twice in a 4-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, with Amanda Staveley urging the England boss to include Wilson in his squad during talks in the director’s box.
It’s thought Southgate gave nothing away, as you would expect, but it’s certainly encouraging that the FA have been ‘liaising with Newcastle United’s sport science and medical departments’, with key figures said to be gaining insight on his training schedule, workload and physical stats before a final 26-man squad is named on November 10th.
The Telegraph add that Marcus Rashford’s upturn in form has given Wilson fresh competition, with Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham under consideration. That said, with nine goal involvements (six goals and three assists) in nine appearances so far this season, Wilson couldn’t have done much more to stake a claim.
Hopefully he stays fit over the coming fortnight and boosts his World Cup hopes with another big performance at Southampton this Sunday!
