Former Newcastle United and Liverpool star says Alexander Isak can help teammate to England World Cup call-up

Former Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique says that new signing Alexander Isak can become a ‘world class striker’ and has also tipped the Swede to help a St James’ Park teammate to reach the FIFA World Cup finals.

The Spainaird, who made over 100 appearances for the Magpies between 2007 and 2011 before moving to Liverpool, believes that Isak can help Callum Wilson secure a World Cup call-up with England.

With Premier League clubs preparing for the first international break of the season after the next round of fixtures, Gareth Southgate will have one last chance to bring a squad together before the finals in Qatar this winter.

The Three Lions are due to face Italy and Germany in UEFA Nations League fixtures this month and will kick off their World Cup on November 21 against Iran.

Current England and Tottenham skipper Harry Kane looks to be a shoe-in to be a part of Gareth Southgate’s plans for the tournament while former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, currently with AS Roma in Italy, is another who looks likely to be included.

Depending on how the former Middlesbrogh gaffer decides to spread out his player selections, there could be one more place amongst the strikers up for grabs.

“I think Alexander Isak can help Callum Wilson secure a World Cup call-up,” said Enrique in an interview with Lord Ping.

“If Wilson can stay fit, he is definitely good enough. He’s done so well for Newcastle and is a very good player.

“He can definitely go to the World Cup.”

Isak is also expected to be on international duty later this month as Sweden face Serbia and Slovenia in Nations League matches but his country will not be competing at the World Cup finals.

However, Enrique believes the 22-year old has what it takes to go on and become a world class striker.

He said: “I love Newcastle’s signings in the transfer window - Eddie Howe is using the money they have wisely.

“I think Isak would’ve been an excellent signing for Liverpool last summer so I’m very happy that Newcastle signed him because he can be a very important player for Newcastle.

“I love Callum Wilson but Newcastle needed another striker because he is injury prone and you can’t rely on him for the whole season.”