Former England manager Roy Hodgson believes Premier League and international experience helped Callum Wilson pip Ivan Toney to a World Cup spot. Gareth Southgate has named his 26-man squad for this month’s tournament and the Newcastle United striker achieved a two-year dream by making the cut.
Upon his arrival on Tyneside in September 2020, the 30-year-old made no secret of his desire to return to the Three Lions setup. Wilson’s last appearance for England came three years ago in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria.
Nobody can question the Toon number nine’s goal return but injuries have plagued his time at St James’ Park and thus, frustrated his England dream. Now, just 10 days before the World Cup begins, the international door has reopened as Southgate has booked Wilson - who has been in stellar form for Newcastle this season - a ticket to Qatar.
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His main rival for a place was Brentford striker and former Magpies’ youngster Ivan Toney. Eight goals in 13 Premier League games this season saw him selected in Southgate’s previous squad in September but he failed to make his Three Lions debut.
Speaking to Sky Sports, ex-England boss Hodgson thinks top-flight longevity and his previous England encounters helped Wilson tip the balance. He said: “It would have been a hard choice. I know his (Wilson) background, and I've always admired him.
“He has come through enormous hardships to get where he is today, not least coming back from many injury situations. I don't know so much about Ivan Toney but he's got a similar background, I think. He’s done quite brilliantly to get from where he started to where he is today.
“It’s quite simply a case of Gareth choosing which of the two players’ qualities suit him best. There's a degree of similarity they have; they're both players who can lead the line.
“But he might be tempted by the fact Callum does have a lot more experience at Premier League level whereas Ivan has burst onto the scene this year.
“It would have been a tough decision. I've got to say, whichever one he'd have chosen, behind Harry Kane, I would have backed that player to do well.”
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