Callum Wilson earns England World Cup call-up alongside two Newcastle United teammates

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has been named in England’s 26-man World Cup squad. Gareth Southgate announced his squad at 2pm this afternoon.

With Kieran Trippier and Nick Pope expected to be called up, the big debate was around whether or not Wilson would make the final cut. And as revealed, he has, after being selected ahead of the likes of Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney.

The 30-year-old has made no secret of his ambitions to make Southgate’s squad for Qatar and his form this season has warranted a place after scoring six goals in 10 appearances. Only Harry Kane has a better goals-per-minute ratio in terms of English strikers.

Callum Wilson achieves World Cup dream

“I don’t think I could have done any more,” Wilson told the Daily Telegraph. “It’s six goals in 10 games, with two or three assists. I’ve tried to give everything to the cause, everything I can. Hopefully my best is good enough.’

“I’ve achieved a lot given where I started in my career, but this is the ultimate; this is the final leap and the pinnacle of what you can achieve, playing for your country at a World Cup.

‘It’s the biggest thing you can get. It would be unreal. I’m 30, there isn’t going to be another opportunity. I’m not stupid, I know I’ll be 34 by the time the next one comes around – this is it, this is the moment.”

It’ll be the first time since 2006 a Newcastle United player has represented England at a World Cup.

England squad in full

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale,

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Coady, Eric Dier, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White.

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice.

Forwards: Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Callum Wilson.