Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams is puzzled at Callum Wilson’s lack of game time for England. An impressive 15-minute cameo in the opening game against Iran saw the Newcastle United striker grab an assist for Jack Grealish.
However, the Toon striker watched from the sidelines as England slumped to a 0-0 draw with the United States. Despite pre-match injury fears, captain Harry Kane played the entire 90 minutes as the Three Lions looked toothless in attack.
Wilson is not the only player to be snubbed, with overwhelming calls for Manchester City ace Phil Foden - who also did not feature - to start on Tuesday. Newcastle’s right-back Kieran Trippier has started both of England’s matches but fans are clamouring to see their number nine in action.
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Speaking to the BBC post-match, ex-Wales captain Williams questioned why Wilson did not come off the bench. He said: “I’m pretty sure Callum Wilson is sitting there tonight watching the game thinking ‘when am I going to see any minutes of this World Cup?'
“We know Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world, without a doubt. But it was not his best game and he did look fatigued. In the context of the 90 minutes, I think it probably is a good point for England.”
Former Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas agreed that Gareth Southgate needed to make a change. The 39-year-old went as far as to suggest the Three Lions boss gives some players preferential treatment.
“Once it got to half-time, I looked at it and thought we needed freshening up. I thought Kane looked absolutely shattered today. Sterling was not as sharp… Mason Mount, not as effective.
"That is going to happen when there is fatigue in the squad. We have the players, the depth and the previous experience of it costing us later down the line. I thought the changes might have come sooner, but he (Southgate) trusts a certain group and always has done.”
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