England certainly enjoyed their summer as the national team reached the semi-final stage of the World Cup in Russia.

But as Gareth Southgate gets set to start his campaign to get The Three Lions to the Euro 2020 tournament, he has plenty to think about when it comes to the forward department.

Obviously he will still have World Cup Golden Boot winner Harry Kane to lead the line but after that it becomes a bit more questionable.

Jamie Vardy has come out and basically retired from international football. Strikers like Daniel Sturridge, Danny Welbeck, Marcus Rashford and veteran Jermain Defoe aren’t going to be happy with the minutes they’re currently getting at their respective clubs.  Once again Andy Carroll is injured for the long-term, while youngsters Dominic Solanke of Liverpool and Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham have yet to be selected in the Premier League thus far this season.

It’s not all bad news for Southgate as Theo Walcott has managed to keep his place in the Everton starting eleven and the pacy forward has grabbed two goals in his first three appearances of this campaign. His early season form should probably see Theo receive a recall to the international set-up.

Another English attacker that’s banged in two goals in three starts is AFC Bournemouth’s uncapped hitman Callum Wilson. The Cherries man also has an assist to his name and played a big part in his club’s great start to the season.

The twenty-six year old has been playing in England’s top flight for the last three seasons but unfortunately in that time Wilson has suffered from various serious injuries which helped stall his Premier League career.  Being able to overcome those setbacks show that the frontman has a determined character and a desire to prove himself at the highest level.

But even with those injuries, Callum has still impressed when he’s managed to get on the park. In forty-eight Premier League starts, Wilson has scored twenty-one times.

His goal against West Ham United showed that he can get a goal out of nothing, after a mazy run saw him beat the Hammers defence. He’s also very capable with his head and a threat from free-kicks.

Forwards always do well when they’re scoring goals and gaining confidence, Wilson is one confident frontman at the moment and his superb performances are keeping prolific goalscorer Defoe out of the team.

Recently Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe said this about his hitman:

“Callum is always bouncy. He has that positive vibe and energy – I think that’s what makes him such a well-liked member of the squad.”

“Knowing Callum as I do, he is so mentally strong I don’t think he will be seeking people to say nice things about him. He is very focused now on the next match.”

These are attributes that Gareth Southgate should be looking for in his players.

That’s why I’d like to see Callum Wilson in the pool for the up and coming games against Spain and Switzerland.

I feel he deserves the chance to play for his country and his form also merits a call-up.

Posted on August 28th, 2018 by scott
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