Callum Wilson admits he is not 'deluded' when it comes to his role in England's World Cup squad as Harry Kane's understudy. The England captain has been in fine form this season so far for Tottenham, and scored six times at the 2018 edition of the competition to win the Golden Boot.
Kane is expected to lead the line for the Three Lions in Qatar, with Wilson and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford providing cover through the middle. Newcastle's number nine has netted six times this season, and earned his first call-up in three years at the expense of the likes of Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney.
It is an unprecedented turnaround for Gareth Southgate and his squad, with the World Cup getting under way just a week on from the latest Premier League fixture. England begin their campaign with a Group B clash with Iran, which will be followed by matches against the USA and Wales.
READ MORE: The Cristiano Ronaldo problem Eddie Howe is striving to avoid at Newcastle United
Wilson acknowledges Kane is an 'unbelievable player', and he is prepared for a squad role with his country. However, the 30-year-old has still backed himself to deliver when given the opportunity and confirms a goal at the World Cup would represent the 'ultimate pinnacle' of his career.
Wilson told the BBC's Footballer's Football Podcast: "First and foremost, I was focusing on Newcastle to get myself into the squad. I know Harry is an unbelievable player, he's the captain as well and he's going to be the first-choice on most people's teamsheets.
"I know my role, I'm not deluded enough to think I'm going to go to the World Cup and I'm going to be competing and playing every game. Tournament football is obviously different to league football, you're going to have to manage the load, you're going to have to see games out in a different style.
"I feel there will be an opportunity there, and when it comes I'll be ready to take it with both hands. For me, it's not just the on the pitch attributes I bring, I feel I can bring things off the pitch as well.
"I'm 30, I'm mature, I'm a leader, I'll be in training pushing people and just trying to be part of it and enjoy it by taking it all in. It's an experience that I've not had before, but one I'll take in my stride.
"Nothing ever fazes me as a professional and a person, this is just another string to the bow. To say I've done it, I've achieved it, and I'd like to come back with a goal to my name. That would be the ultimate pinnacle of my footballing career."
READ NEXT
Chelsea's own commentator hammers Kai Havertz and co during Newcastle bust-up for lack of fight
Unseen Joelinton moment shows Newcastle United star's passion after fiery end to Chelsea clash
Chelsea dressing room verdict delivered as Conor Gallagher pays tribute to Eddie Howe game plan
The training ground moment that came off for Joe Willock in Newcastle United's win against Chelsea
What angered Kai Havertz as Newcastle take Liverpool pain and expertly use dark arts vs Chelsea
