Callum Wilson has stated that he is ‘not deluded’ and he understands he will be playing second fiddle to Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Newcastle United striker added that, when he is called upon by England manager Gareth Southgate, then he will be ready to show his worth, after scoring six goals in 11 Premier League games this season.
That run of form saw him being picked ahead of Brentford’s Ivan Toney in the 26-man squad, despite his ten goals from 14 matches.
Nonetheless, it’s pretty obvious Kane will lead the line for England against Iran for his side’s opener next Monday, and even if he struggles to score during the group stages, he will keep his place for the knockout stages, just like at Euro 2020.
But with Wilson being the man behind the Three Lions captain, he praised Kane as an ‘unbelievable’ player and shared what he can bring to the table, other than what he produces out on the pitch, as he told The Footballer’s Football Podcast.
“I know Harry is an unbelievable player,” said Wilson. “He’s the England captain as well. He is going to be the first choice on most people’s team sheets, so I know my role.
“I’m not deluded enough to think I am going to the World Cup and I will be competing and playing every game, this and that.
“There will be periods and elements of the tournament. Of course, tournament football is different to league football. You are going to have to manage the load. You will have to see games out in a different style and things like that.
“I think there will be an opportunity there, and when it does come, I will be ready to take it with both hands. For me, it’s not just the attributes I bring on the pitch, I bring things off the pitch as well. I am older. I am mature. I am a leader. I will be in training pushing people.”
WILSON’S RETURN
It has been three years since Wilson last tasted international football and what a time to return.
Since then, the 30-year-old has secured a £20 million transfer to Newcastle (Sky Sports) where he is one of the main men for a team currently sitting in the Champions League places.
Wilson’s ability to play off the shoulder, most importantly, movement inside the penalty area could come into serious use during the tournament, especially against teams that will sit back on England.
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