Newcastle United star reveals England ‘dream’ after hitting form in win against Man Utd

Joe Willock admitted he was hoping to give England manager Gareth Southgate ‘some questions to answer’ after starring in Newcastle United’s win over top four rivals Manchester United.

The former Arsenal midfielder looked to be enduring a frustrating day at St James Park as he wasted two golden opportunities to opening the scoring during the opening 45 minutes. But there was little the visitors could do to deny Willock from grabbing his third goal of the season when he headed home from close range with 65 minutes on the clock.

Willock had been replaced by Elliot Anderson by the time Callum Wilson headed home the Magpies second goal of the day in the closing stages and confirmed his side had claimed what could be a monumental three points in their push for a Champions League place.

Speaking after the game, Willock was asked about his hopes to earn a maiden call-up to the England squad as a reward for his fine run of form in a black and white shirt and stressed he will ‘keep working hard’ to ensure he forces his way into Gareth Southgate’s thoughts.

He told Sky Sports: “That’s everyone’s personal dream, that’s my dream, to play for England. I feel like if I keep working hard, keep pushing, I have got the ability to get selected one day so I am happy with where I am right now and if I keep pushing hard, hopefully, I can give the manager some questions to answer.”

Willock went on to praise United manager Eddie Howe for getting a performance full of energy and enthusiasm out of his side as they claimed some revenge for the Carabao Cup Final defeat they suffered against the Red Devils in February.

He said: “The manager has put hard work into us to get us playing like that. We want to dominate teams on and off the ball, winning our duals and I feel like we’ve got the athleticism to do it and that’s how we want to play. We have the athletic players in our team to do it and we need to continue playing like that because I feel we can go a long way.”