Harry Redknapp has told The Sun that he believes Tottenham Hotspur star Richarlison is no better than Newcastle and England World Cup striker Callum Wilson – with the duo both in Qatar and in with a chance of lifting the trophy.
Richarlison, 25, joined Tottenham from Everton in the summer for a fee believed to be in the region of £50million. He has endured a difficult start, scoring only two goals for Antonio Conte’s side – and only just returning from an injury.
But his form in a Brazil shirt is impressive – netting 17 goals in 38 caps. He is in with a shout of starting for Tite’s Brazil on Thursday, against Serbia. Wilson is almost definitely going to start England’s opener against Iran, on the bench.
He is in the squad simply to provide out-and-out cover for Tottenham star and England skipper, Harry Kane. Redknapp was discussing the World Cup squads and he believes that Richarlison is no better, despite his price, than Wilson.
“Spurs’ Richarlison is in Qatar and might even be in Brazil’s team but I honestly don’t think he’d get in the England squad. He’s decent enough but I really don’t see him as any better than Callum Wilson,” Redknapp told The Sun.
“Certainly nowhere near Kane’s class. And there are a couple of others I’d probably have ahead of him as well. Because he’s Brazilian, everyone raves about him but I’m telling you our options are just as good.”
Tottenham star Richarlison no better than Newcastle striker Wilson
Big claim, but right now, difficult to argue with. Richarlison – once branded “phenomenal” by Seamus Coleman – is still adapting after his move to Spurs. Wilson is in excellent form – scoring six goals. His concern is remaining injury free.
However, Richarlison is only 25 and five years younger than Wilson. He will far surpass Wilson, you would expect, if his form for Watford, Everton and Spurs is anything to go by. But in terms of current form, Redknapp is probably right.
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