Newcastle United take on Southampton this weekend, and Callum Wilson will be very keen to score against the Saints.
The 30-year-old has scored six goals already this season, including three in his previous two games. He got a brace in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa, and was disappointed not to get a hat-trick. He was agonizingly close, hitting the bar with a thunderous header.
Now Wilson’s attention will turn to Southampton, which is the last Premier League game before Gareth Southgate names his England squad for the World Cup.
Southgate will announce his team on Thursday, meaning players are running out of time to earn a place on the plane.
Wilson will currently fancy his chances, having excelled in front of the Three Lions boss on Saturday. However, it certainly isn’t guaranteed that he gets his first England callup since 2019.
One final push against Southampton could take Wilson to Qatar, and TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor thinks Newcastle’s number nine will be going all out at St Mary’s.
Agbonlahor thinks Wilson will score twice vs Southampton
Ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, Agbonlahor has discussed the players still fighting for a place in the England squad on TalkSPORT.
That includes Wilson, and the mouthy former Aston Villa forward has made a prediction that Toon fans will actually enjoy.
“If I was one that is still maybe touch and go – Toney, Wilson – this weekend I’m taking free-kicks,” he said.
“I’m taking penalties, I’m doing everything. I’m running with the ball, throw-ins, long throw-ins, I’m doing everything to impress.
“There’s one more game for most players so this weekend is crucial.
“Newcastle have Southampton away. It wouldn’t surprise me if Callum Wilson scores a brace again because you want to be fresh on the manager’s mind.”
Two more goals could take Wilson to Qatar
Another Wilson brace would delight Toon fans, and also give him a major final boost ahead of the World Cup.
Two more goals against Southampton would take his tally to eight in 10 Premier League games, which is very impressive. Wilson’s goals to minutes ratio is excellent, and makes you wonder how well he would be doing had he not missed so many games due to injury.
But he’s fit and firing now, and is one of England’s most in-form strikers heading into the tournament.
It pains me to say it, but Agbonlahor is right. Wilson will absolutely be doing everything he can to ensure he goes to the World Cup. It’s probably the last chance he will get to go to football’s biggest tournament, after all.
A fit and motivated Callum Wilson is exactly what England need, and it can only help Newcastle. His performances have propelled the Magpies into fourth, and made us European contenders already.
If Wilson can get two more goals this weekend, it will likely mean that Newcastle will be extending their unbeaten run even further. That’s all that matters for Toon fans, who want Howe’s men to end the first half of the season strongly before the World Cup break.
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