‘I’m not a hater’: Callum Wilson on ex Newcastle United striker taking his England role

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson shared his disappointment at not being able to feature in Gareth Southgate's England squad this week.

The Magpies forward is currently nursing a hamstring injury and isn't fit enough to play for the international side, despite a fine start to the Premier League season.

Wilson scored two goals in three games at the start of the campaign and was England's in-form Premier League striker early on.

Given his injury niggles, a potential call-up to the England squad has been put on hold and instead Brentford talisman Ivan Toney has been given the nod to potentially make his international debut against Italy or Germany.

Speaking on The Footballer's Football Podcast, Callum Wilson said: "The manager will definitely give him the opportunity to showcase his ability on that stage. He's probably the most in-form English striker, so his selection in the squad is definitely merited.

"I watched his hat trick the other day, unbelievable. Obviously, he's in my position, but I'm not a hater. He's someone who has come through the leagues and had to ply their trade at different levels. There are people hungry for that spot, like myself. England have a good selection of players with new players still emerging.

"I'm not disappointed about him getting the spot. Ultimately, you have to be on the pitch to be selected. I started the season well and if I'd have maintained fitness and those levels, I have no doubt I might have got myself into the squad and done my talking on the pitch like I like to."

Ivan Toney is a former Newcastle United player himself. The 26-year-old was on the books at St. James' Park between 2015 and 2018, but only made two appearances for the first team between a long list of loan spells.