Eddie Howe wants to see as many of his Newcastle United players at the 2022 World Cup as possible, as members of the Magpies first-team squad eagerly await potential call-ups later this week. Bruno Guimaraes and Garang Kuol have already booked their place at the Qatar showpiece later this month, with Callum Wilson and a host of other players in with a shout in the coming days.
Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope and Fabian Schar are in with big shouts of making the tournament, while all eyes are on Wilson to see if he can fulfil his England dream after a stellar start to the season. While some anxious Newcastle supporters may wish to see the striker on the beach with his feet up over the winter, Howe has championed his No 9 and other senior players to earn a shot on the international stage.
"I want my players to fulfil their dreams and ambitions," he told reporters on Tuesday. "It's such a delicate thing because you know it's in the hands of the national managers and I know, as a manager, it's a difficult decision to make. You're going to disappoint some people.
"It's a really strange week. It's not something I've experienced before when you have a World Cup selection during a busy spell of games. A lot of emotions flying around but hopefully our players get called up. I want all of them to do as well as they can."
Bruno Guimaraes received his call-up to the Brazil squad for this month's competition, celebrating at home with his friends, family and newborn son Matteo. Newcastle co-star Joelinton missed out on a place, despite scoring in front of national team coach Tite at St James' Park in recent weeks.
Howe has been full of praise for the reformed midfielder and admitted his disappointment for the player on Tuesday. “I think there's always disappointment for anyone who misses out,” he added.
“Joe has been incredible for me since I joined the football club, every single day he's very consistent in his work and he's producing brilliant performances but it wasn't to be for him.
"Bruno, a very proud moment for him and his family, delighted for him. I've seen some of the players in their squad and they've got top level players so [Brazil] have got a great chance [of winning the World Cup].”
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