Here’s what Gareth Southgate noticed about Newcastle United star during England’s World Cup win over Iran

The Magpies striker made an impressive cameo appearance as England’s tournament got off to a winning start.
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Gareth Southgate praised Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson after he played a part in England’s 6-2 win against Iran on Monday afternoon.

The Magpies star has been in fine form this season after scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first 11 appearances as Eddie Howe’s side made their way into the Premier League top three ahead of the break for the World Cup Finals.

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Wilson’s form helped him see off competition from Roma frontman Tammy Abraham and Brentford striker Ivan Toney to secure a place in Southgate’s 26-man squad and he made his first England appearance in just over two years when he replaced captain Harry Kane with just under quarter of an hour against Iran.

Wilson wasted little time in making an impact as he marked his fifth cap by making an intelligent run in behind the defence before unselfishly squaring the ball to Jack Grealish to allow the Manchester City star to fire home his side’s sixth goal of an impressive performance.

Speaking to the BBC, Southgate praised Wilson for ‘thinking of the team’ as he said: “We have some good players and today they really delivered. Our attacking players look a threat, our defence in the first hour controlled the game and were patient. The midfield were excellent and our forwards looked a threat. It is a great maker to put down.”

“What I particularly liked was Jack Grealish’s goal with Callum Wilson on. He could have been selfish but he was thinking of the team even at that moment. I’m a miserable so and so. I should be more excited but I have to keep the team on the right track.”

Wilson will hope to be handed another chance to impress when England return to action with a meeting with the United States on Friday night.