Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe feels Joe Willock can put himself into contention for an England call-up. But the midfielder must improve certain traits to tempt Gareth Southgate.
The 23-year-old has represented his nation at various youth levels but is yet to feature in a senior international squad. Willock has also now not featured for his country since turning out in an Under-21s game in November 2019. He has also played for their U16, 19 and 20s.
Willock was in with a shout for a first call-up under Southgate for England’s upcoming ties. The Three Lions face Italy and Ukraine in qualifying fixtures for Euro 2024 on March 23 and 26. But he will now have to wait for their fixtures in June with Malta and North Macedonia.
Gareth Southgate snubs Joe Willock for England despite his form for Newcastle
Willock missed out on the squad as Southgate favoured Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice as their midfielders. Yet the Newcastle star may have earned a place with his recent performances.
The London-born talent has been integral to the Magpies’ surprise push for qualification to the Champions League this term. Howe has started Willock in 21 of his 24 appearances this season through Newcastle’s 25 games. The midfielder also has two goals and three assists.
Eddie Howe sees Joe Willock’s limited creativity as the key trait he is missing
Willock scored each of his goals for the season so far as Newcastle beat Southampton and Chelsea in November. He also penned his second assist for the term as the Toon won 1-0 against Wolves last Sunday. Willock had not offered any since penning two on October 1.
Howe believes Willock improving his creativity will be key for the Newcastle star earning a call-up for England under Southgate. He also only offered two goals and no assists over 29 Premier League appearances last season. Yet Willock was a regular threat on loan in 2021.
Steve Bruce signed Willock from Arsenal for £25m in August 2021 after a goal-laden end to his loan spell. The midfielder scored one goal in each of his final seven appearances for the term. Now, Howe urges Willock to add goals to his tally to earn a maiden England call-up.
“That definitely should be an aim of his,” Howe noted, via quotes by The Northern Echo. “I think he has the potential to do it. For Joe, he has areas to improve, as all players do in the squad. It is there for him. He is young enough and he has [the] potential to grow.
“Since my time here, he has been excellent and his game has improved. I think he has got more to go. He can get more goals, he can assist more, especially the position he is playing in. He has those moments and chances.
“The goal he scored against Chelsea was a brilliant finish. And if he can add a few more moments like that to his game, he will be knocking on the door.”
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