Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson is in contention to go to the World Cup, and pundit Paul Merson will be ‘shocked’ if he isn’t called up.
The 30-year-old boosted his chances at the weekend, scoring twice and providing an assist in the Magpies’ 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
It was a man of the match performance from Wilson, and he did it in front of the England manager. Gareth Southgate was at St James’ Park, and was urged to take the Newcastle number nine to Qatar by Toon co-owner Amanda Staveley.
However, it remains unclear whether or not Southgate will heed Staveley’s advice. Wilson is in the mix though, and has been included on the 55-man longlist for the tournament.
There is huge competition to be named as one of England’s strikers for the World Cup, with Harry Kane the only guarantee. Wilson will fancy his chances of joining him, but so will the likes of Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham. Then there are outside shouts for the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Welbeck.
Southgate needs to make his mind up soon, and Merson has given his reasoning as to why he would take Eddie Howe’s main man.
Merson explains why Wilson must go to the World Cup
The former Arsenal forward has discussed the England World Cup squad in his latest Sky Sports column. Merson pondered who will join Kane in attack, and thinks Wilson should be one of them.
“What Rashford has over the likes of Callum Wilson and Ivan Toney, who are out and out centre-forwards, is his versatility,” Merson wrote.
“Wilson and Toney are straight down the middle, while Rashford can do a job on the left or right if needed in a three-man attack. That is why I think Rashford should get the nod, he can do jobs others cannot.
“I like Wilson and Toney, I’d be shocked if Wilson didn’t go to the World Cup. I’ve said it from day one, Wilson has international movement. He plays on the shoulder; his movement is phenomenal.
“If England are ever in trouble and need a goal, Gareth Southgate needs to look at his bench. Wilson gets goals in the six-yard box, there is an art to that, an art the other England forwards with the exception of Kane haven’t mastered.”
In-form Wilson could give England an edge
Merson’s logic is sound – it would make sense to take Manchester United star Rashford due to his versatility. He is also enjoying a decent season, and scored a wonderful header in the Red Devils’ 1-0 win over West Ham on Sunday.
The 25-year-old has got seven goals in all competitions this season, which is one more than Wilson. However, the Newcastle forward has played six less games, and has that penalty box instinct that Merson alludes to.
The £20million man is in really good form at the moment, and that could make him a very dangerous weapon. He is a nightmare for defenders with his ability to run in behind and play with his back to goal, while he is also a brilliant finisher.
If England are in need of a goal, Wilson is the type of player you want to bring on. That’s why Merson thinks he should go to the World Cup, and we agree with him. Only time will tell if Southgate does too.
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