Callum Wilson has admitted his Newcastle United teammates were the first to know about his England call-up. After three years out of the international picture, the Magpies’ number nine is one of two out-and-out strikers selected by Gareth Southgate for the World Cup.
Captain Harry Kane is expected to lead the line but Wilson has realised his career-long dream by boarding the plane to Qatar. The 30-year-old made no secret of his desire to return to the Three Lions fold from the moment he joined Newcastle in September 2020.
His last cap came against Bulgaria over three years ago but he has now been recalled on the biggest stage of all. Should Wilson be summoned by Southgate, Toon supporters know the rest of the country have a striker they can rely upon.
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Six goals in 11 Premier League appearances has helped the Magpies climb up to third going into the World Cup break. Anticipation around whether Wilson would make the 26-man squad had become a hot topic on Tyneside in the months leading up to his selection.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the striker revealed his Newcastle teammates were the first to learn the news. Wilson said: “It was nice (the call-up). It didn't really sink in at first. Coming off the training pitch, the lads were there and you're not really allowed to say what's going on.
“But Trips (Kieran Trippier) was like ‘check your phone’ so he must have had a message. I've got it (the message) and I'm smiling, but everyone's looking at me in the dressing room. There were like 10 lads all looking at me. You don't want to react because you're not meant to say anything. Inside I'm buzzing, thinking ‘I'm in’. I couldn't really react after that.
“I was like ‘yeah, I’m in, but shh’ and obviously they were all buzzing for me. I’m delighted to be here, it’s been a bit of a crazy few days but it's a fantastic experience to be a part of.”
The Toon talisman also disclosed how club icon Alan Shearer congratulated him following his Three Lions’ return. However, Wilson confessed to not yet replying to his text!
“He (Shearer) got in touch as well,” he added. “I didn't play the cup game (against Crystal Palace) because I had Covid and he got in touch to make sure I was okay. Alan is a big fan of Newcastle, and a big fan of myself… so yeah, I’m delighted about the message. I've not got around to messaging everyone back (laughing)… I’ll be messaging you soon Alan!”
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