Clinton Morrison backs Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson to ‘step up’ for England if a World Cup tie goes to a penalty shootout. The Three Lions face Senegal in the Round of 16.
England overcame Iran, the USA and Wales to claim the top spot in Group B at Qatar 2022. Gareth Southgate’s squad swept aside Team Melli in a commanding 6-2 demolition in their opening game. They also responded to a 0-0 draw with the USA with a 3-0 win over Cymru.
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Senegal now await the Three Lions at Al Bayt stadium on Sunday, December 4 for a spot in the quarter-finals. The Lions of Teranga have only reached the final eight once before back in 2002 during their tournament debut. They did not get out of their group at Russia 2018.
England finished fourth four years ago after losing to defeated finalists Croatia in the semi-final. Southgate’s side also had to overcome Colombia on penalties en route to their joint-best finish since winning the World Cup in 1966. They took on Los Cafeteros in the last 16.
Jordan Pickford’s heroics in goal to deny Carlos Bacca after Mateus Uribe hit the crossbar set England up to win their first World Cup penalty shootout. West Germany at Italia 90, Argentina at France 1998 and Portugal at Germany 2006 had previously beaten England.
Morrison backs Wilson to ‘step up’ for England if a World Cup tie goes to penalties
Morrison believes Newcastle star Wilson can be a hero of England’s 2022 World Cup squad if penalty shootouts are required. The striker has only played a bit-part role in Southgate’s plans in Qatar so far. He featured from the bench against Iran and Wales but not the USA.
“I believe in him – I know Callum Wilson and I believe in him,” Morrison said on Sky Sports News (03/12, 08:30). “He’s been waiting for this opportunity to go to a World Cup. He’s got confidence in his ability. I know him from when he was at Coventry, he’s a good lad.
“He’ll step up because he has confidence in his ability. And I believe if you’re a centre-forward and you take them for your clubs, you’re confident.”
The striker has been perfect from the spot since joining Newcastle in 2020
Wilson has only played 47 minutes at the World Cup and is yet to score but has an assist in England’s ties. The 30-year-old also hit his only goal after six caps to date during his debut in a friendly against the USA in November 2018. He is also yet to lose with the Three Lions.
Goals have not been an issue for Wilson in the Premier League this season, though. He has six and two assists across 11 games for 793 minutes. The Coventry City product’s haul also includes one penalty which broke the deadlock for the Toon in a 4-0 win over Aston Villa.
Wilson has been perfect from the penalty spot since the England striker joined Newcastle from AFC Bournemouth for £20m in 2020. He has scored with all seven of his attempts for the Magpies. He has also not missed his last eight spot-kicks dating back to August 2018.
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