Alan Shearer has a ‘sneaky feeling’ Callum Wilson will start over Harry Kane when England face Wales at the World Cup. The Newcastle United striker did not appear against the USA.
England only need to avoid losing 4-0 to Cymru to advance to the knockout stages at Qatar 2022 next Tuesday. The Three Lions kicked off their Group B campaign with a thrashing 6-2 win over Iran. But they failed to secure their last 16 spot by only drawing 0-0 with the USA.
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Wilson came off the bench to replace Kane in England’s game against Iran. The Tottenham Hotspur star struggled to shake an ankle injury after a poor tackle by Morteza Pouraliganji. But he avoided a serious issue to start against the USA and also played the full 90 minutes.
England boss Southgate has seldom turned to Wilson at the World Cup so far
Yet while Kane remained on the field to hear the full-time whistle, he was clearly short of fitness. The striker laboured around the field, often dropping into central midfield roles as England broke. So much so that he only took three touches inside the USA’s penalty area.
Wilson could only watch from the bench despite England lacking any focal point as Gareth Southgate overlooked the Newcastle star. The Three Lions boss recalled the £20m former AFC Bournemouth striker to his England squad for the first time since 2019 for Qatar 2022.
Shearer has a ‘sneaky feeling’ the Newcastle star will start over Kane vs Wales
With Kane struggling for fitness against the USA, Shearer has told BBC Sport that England should start Wilson against Wales. The Newcastle forward has one goal over his five caps to date. Wilson also recorded his first assist after feeding Jack Grealish to score against Iran.
He said: “It might be time to think about getting [Kane] right for the knockout stages. And I have a sneaky feeling Callum Wilson might come in to face Wales on Tuesday instead.
“England need to freshen things up, anyway, to get the feel-good factor back after the disappointment of our draw with the US and restore a bit of confidence.”
Shearer added: “I was quite surprised one or two players did not come on at half-time [vs the USA] because we were playing poorly. Our plan wasn’t working and one or two players looked tired. I would have brought Wilson on at some point and Phil Foden, too.”
Wilson showed a dynamic and unselfish presence from the bench against Iran that England would have clearly benefited from had Southgate introduced the Newcastle striker against the USA. So, with Kane struggling, Wilson must now be a contender to start against Wales.
The 30-year-old also flew out to the Middle East amid a strong campaign at St James’ Park this season. Wilson helped guide Newcastle to third in the Premier League after hitting six goals and two assists over 11 appearances. Only Miguel Almiron (8) hit more for the Toon.
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