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Matty Hewitt

'Razor sharp' Callum Wilson proves he's a valuable weapon in England's World Cup 'armoury'

Former England defender Matthew Upson was left impressed by Callum Wilson's second-half performance against Wales as the Three Lions secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup. The Newcastle United striker came off the bench to replace Harry Kane for the final 32 minutes of the game.

The Magpies number nine caused Wales plenty of problems in the final third, with his ability to press from the front giving England a different dynamic to Kane.

There have been calls from across the Toon fanbase to give Wilson an opportunity up front in place of Kane, however the England captain has more goal contributions than any other player across this World Cup and the previous. Kane is yet to find the back of the net, but has three assists, while Wilson has one.

READ MORE: Have your say as Newcastle United stars nominated for Fans' Footballer of the Year award

When asked about the win being a near perfect performance for Southgate's men, Upson told BBC's World Cup Daily : "I agree, because its focussed on the decisions he made, the changes at half-time with Foden and Rashford and how then that half played out. The substitutions I thought he made had an impact.

"Callum Wilson for me looks really positive. He looks razor sharp and hungry, to want to be direct and really want to have an impact.

"That's great to see. You've got that coming off the bench, you know, if Harry Kane gets a knock or even changing it to freshen it up, it's a great thing to have in the armoury."

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