England posted a video on Twitter of the Three Lions boarding the plane and then landing in Qatar ahead of the World Cup – and the clip shows Newcastle ace Callum Wilson teasing Declan Rice as they stepped onto the plane on Tuesday.
While Rice is likely to be one of the first names on Gareth Southgate’s team sheet going to Qatar, Wilson was a late decision to call-up. The Toon star, who has six goals in 10 games, was chosen over Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham.
England begin their campaign just a day after the start of the tournament. Hosts Qatar take on Ecuador and then on Monday, at 1pm, England face Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. Four days later, they face USA.
Then, on the 29th, England take on Wales in a grudge match. By then, England will hope they will have tied up the group – given the difference in quality between the nations. But the magic of the World Cup always springs up a shock.
The excitement is building. With England’s players touching down in Qatar, the World Cup is tangibly close. England posted a video, and Wilson is seen teasing Rice for doing his hair in front of the camera, 10 seconds in.
Video: Newcastle ace Wilson teases Rice as England board plane
Despite Wilson not having played for England since 2019, he is clearly already feeling well at home in the England squad. It just shows how close-knit the England squad is under Southgate – something we have not had for years.
Wilson might not even get much game time at the World Cup but to simply be a part of the side is a triumph. For Wilson, he has had to come back from numerous set-backs, even relegation with Bournemouth – to get to where he is.
He more than deserves his England call-up to the World Cup squad. Now, he has the chance to show just how good he is and it might be, coming off the bench at some point – he has the chance to score a crucial goal. Wilson deserves it.
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