A look at the latest Newcastle United headlines on Saturday, 19 November.
Nick Pope 'intelligent' Callum Wilson verdict ahead of England's World Cup opener
Nick Pope believes Callum Wilson has all the attributes to succeed with England at the World Cup in Qatar. The Newcastle United striker has missed a chunk of the season through injury, but when he's played, he's scored for Eddie Howe's side.
On his day, the Magpies number nine is one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League and his form with the Toon saw him earn a call-up to the Three Lions' squad. Gareth Southgate opted to leave former Newcastle striker Ivan Toney at home, despite major calls to take him to Qatar after scoring ten goals in 14 appearances this season.
Wilson on the other hand, has scored six goals in 11 games, with Newcastle sitting third in the Premier League. At 30-years-old, this could be the striker's last chance to feature at a major tournament with his country.
Newcastle United youngster aiming to put record straight against Crystal Palace
Matt Bondswell wants to make amends for last weekend’s hiccup when Newcastle United under-21s host Crystal Palace at Whitley Park. A crushing 4-0 defeat to Bristol City a week ago was a nightmare start for the young Magpies in their Premier League Cup campaign.
Monday night allows for a quick turnaround to put the situation right as the Eagles’ second string make the trip to the North East. Alongside Bondswell - who featured in Newcastle’s pre-season friendlies against Benfica, Atalanta and Athletic Bilbao - will be highly-rated youngster Joe White and recent recruit Amadou Diallo.
Speaking to the club website, the England under-18 international urged his teammates to bounce back. Bondswell said: “I think it's as simple as picking ourselves up, analysing where we went wrong and making it right for Monday's game against Palace."
Callum Wilson’s Rocky Balboa journey at Newcastle United and beyond is inspirational life lesson
"You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit - it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. If you know what you’re worth - then go out and get what you’re worth."
That may be an extract from a Rocky movie, but those words encapsulate the rags-to-riches rise of Callum Wilson. Just over one week ago, the Newcastle United No 9 realised a career-long dream by earning a place in England’s World Cup squad.
Earlier this year, his prospects seemed a million miles away. Sidelined with a torn calf, Wilson watched from afar as the Magpies surged up the Premier League table towards survival.
Alan Shearer claims Mark Viduka could've saved Newcastle from relegation in 2009
Alan Shearer insists that a fit and firing Mark Viduka could've been the key to rescuing Newcastle United from relegation in 2009.
Viduka had been plagued by injuries during the final season of his professional career which had meant he was often unable to be called upon as the Magpies battled against relegation.
Shearer took the reins for the final eight games of the campaign with the unenviable task of lifting his beloved Magpies from the relegation zone. He set Viduka the goal of regaining his fitness for the final stretch of the season, but a final day defeat at Aston Villa consigned Newcastle to the Championship.
But the Newcastle legend strongly believes that if he had been at the helm a month earlier, Viduka could've played a decisive role in preserving their Premier League status.
Callum Wilson talks Newcastle United players’ secret and jokes about blanking Alan Shearer
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.
Newcastle United’s ‘blessing in disguise’ as Miguel Almiron form quashes Spurs winger links
Lucas Moura has insisted he is desperate for first-team action after a falling out of favour with Antonio Conte. Just three league starts since January has turned a once-fan favourite at Tottenham Hotspur into an also-ran who cannot buy a game.
The Brazilian is yet to start a Premier League game in 2022-23 and a calf injury saw him tumble further down the pecking order in North London. Conte signed Serie A prospect Dejan Kulusevski in his first transfer window as manager, a move which has drastically impacted Moura’s game time.
On deadline day in August, reports suggested Newcastle United had enquired about taking the 30-year-old to St James’ Park. Italian sports Journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed an approach was made to Spurs but discussions never reached an advanced stage.
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