Jack Grealish is not popular among Newcastle United fans, and owes a lot to Callum Wilson after getting his first ever World Cup goal.
The Manchester City winger scored England’s sixth on Monday afternoon, as Gareth Southgate’s side beat Iran 6-2.
It was probably the easiest goal of Grealish’s career, tapping into an empty net after Wilson did all of the hard work.
Newcastle’s number nine was played through on goal by Jude Bellingham, and looked destined to score on his international return. But the 30-year-old made a split decision to be selfless, rolling it back for Grealish. And he had the easy job of tucking it away.
It was great forward play from Wilson, who was praised by Southgate after the game. However, pundits Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker were shocked to see Wilson pass up the chance to score himself.
It’s not often you get a chance to score at a World Cup, but Wilson ensure that greed didn’t get the better of him. Now the Toon forward has spoke out on his decision to pass, whilst also sending a message to Grealish.
Wilson’s message to Grealish
The Newcastle striker has appeared on England’s official YouTube show Lions’ Den alongside host Josh Denzel, and was asked about his assist against Iran.
“As I’m running through on goal, I’ve took a touch and looked up,” Wilson said.
“And I could see everyone running back, and the goalie’s just narrowed the angle. Took another touch, looked again and I’ve thought ‘it’s tight here’. It’s one of them – guarantee a goal or go for it myself.
“Decided to make a decision in that moment which was too square it. Jack owes me one.”
Grealish playing like Almiron
The funniest thing about Wilson’s assist was that it was for Grealish – a man who has felt the wrath of the Toon Army in recent months.
Grealish mocked Miguel Almiron during Man City’s title celebrations over the summer, criticising Riyad Mahrez for ‘playing like Almiron’.
It was a needless comment from Grealish, who awoke the best inside wor Miggy. Since then, the Paraguayan has been exceptional. He has scored eight goals this season, and dominated the awards in October.
It has been amazing to see Almiron do so well, and it has also made Grealish look rather foolish.
Now he is playing like Almiron himself, scoring a goal on the world stage – all thanks to Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson.
He certainly owes Wilson ‘one’, and he also owes Almiron an apology.