‘Timing is everything’ - Newcastle United comeback kid talks England dream and wearing iconic No.9 shirt

Callum Wilson has not given up on making England’s Euro 2024 squad after finding form for Newcastle United.

Two goals in as many games following his return from injury has sent a telling reminder to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate. The England manager watched on at Turf Moor as Wilson broke the deadlock - sending Newcastle on their way to a 4-1 victory over Burnley.

The 32-year-old has endured another injury-ravaged campaign - a frustration that continues to plague his Newcastle career. When fit, nobody can deny Wilson’s goalscoring prowess but keeping him available for selection has proven difficult.

He bagged his ninth Premier League goal of the season and, 18 months on from making the World Cup squad, is refusing to rule out the Euros. Wilson told NUFC TV: “Timing is everything. For me, I’ve been frustrated throughout the season with the way it’s gone. 

“All you can do when you are on the pitch is take your opportunity and put the ball in the net. Thankfully, I did that and the manager (Southgate) was watching.”

Wilson also called wearing the No.9 shirt an “honour” - having done so since 2021. He initially donned No.13 but relieved Joelinton - then a misfiring striker - of the burden in his second season.

Illustrious names like Jackie Milburn and Alan Shearer place weight on the shirt but Wilson has lived up to the mantle - becoming the club’s second-highest scorer in the Premier League. The bagsman values the iconic jersey and hopes for further heroics in Newcastle colours.

“I’m delighted and honoured to be in the club’s history,” Wilson added. “Taking the No.9 shirt isn’t an easy thing and you have to do it justice. There are many top players who have worn it in the past. To put my name among them is fantastic and not something I take for granted.”