Newcastle United star Callum Wilson will be able to take encouragement from Gareth Southgate's latest vow to players who did not make the squad for this summer's UEFA Nations League campaign.
Wilson returned to action after a calf injury and played in Newcastle's final three matches, scoring twice against Burnley on the final game of the season, but his tally of matches was deemed insufficient to be involved in Southgate's pre-World Cup plans.
After tonight's clash with Hungary in Wolverhampton, England will have just two matches left, both Nations League games, for Wilson to potentially force his way into the World Cup squad.
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When asked about players such as Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard's chances of making the squad, Southgate replied: "If they're playing well with their club, then they're going to be in our consideration. Simple as that"
And it is the same message for anybody on the fringes of the international scene. England wasted a host of chances against Italy on Saturday night in a dire 0-0 draw. Wilson would be grateful for the opportunities that fell the way of others.
Wilson was asked, in an interview with The Sun, about his England chances last month and said: "I feel I add a different dimension and dynamic to the striking department. My style is a bit different, a bit unique - running in behind a bit more, an off-the-shoulder type.
"You want different sorts of firepower going into a World Cup. If he wants someone to do that or come on and make an impact alongside Harry Kane. The only way to get into the manager’s mind is by starting the season well. By doing that and staying fit, I’m hoping I can break into that squad."
