Newcastle United striker, Callum Wilson, has labelled Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins a ‘great talent’ after he earned another England call, as he told the Footballer’s Football Podcast.
The currently-injured player added that ‘it’s difficult’ for him to comment on the Aston Villa striker’s call-up because, when he is fit, he is also competing for those places.
Watkins was first given the nod to represent his country last season, ahead of the likes of Patrick Bamford and Wilson, who has played for the Three Lions before.
But, whilst injuries haven’t helped the 30-year-old, the last time Wilson was in Gareth Southgate’s squad was in 2019.
Either way, this was Wilson’s honest take on Watkins England call, which came after thriving Roma star, Tammy Abraham, had to pull out.
“Ollie seems like a great talent,” said Wilson. “I think he’s still quite young. He can play wide of a three. Down the middle. And he’s doing well for his club.
“I almost feel when you are doing that, then you should get an opportunity, whether that’s Ollie Watkins, who has been in the squad before or another player that’s not been in the squad before.
“It’s difficult for me to comment because, when I am fit, I am one of those people who is competing for that place also. It’s difficult, but I have ambitions to get back there also.
“I think, whilst there are players at England doing well for their club, they deserve an opportunity and it should come back around when I am back fit and doing the same thing. I’d never begrudge anyone or be jealous of anyone playing in your position in the squad. I think it’s an amazing opportunity.”
This season, Wilson has played 15 Premier League games for Newcastle, scoring six goals, with a calf injury keeping him out of 2022, so far.
Meanwhile, Watkins has had an indifferent time and has seven goals to his name from 26 league games.
During the last campaign, the Newcastle hitman, in his first campaign at St James’ Park, found the back of the net on 12 occasions, including five assists, from 26 matches.
Watkins nabbed two more goals than the former Bournemouth man and also supplied the same number of assists.
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