Newcastle United star Callum Wilson delivers Gareth Southgate sack verdict

Newcastle United striker and England World Cup hopeful Callum Wilson has given his verdict on whether Gareth Southgate should be sacked before the international tournament this winter.

The Magpies' talisman looked sure of a call-up after a scintillating start to the Premier League season, but a hamstring injury halted his purple patch.

Wilson was forced to watch last week's Three Lions meetings with Germany and Italy in the Nations League from home.

When speaking on the BBC Sounds' Footabller's Football Podcast, Wilson broke down his opinion on England performances with Ricky Haywood-Williams.

He said: "It was a disappointing watch. You know what the manager and that squad are capable of. To lose is disappointing, no matter what team you're in, but for England to be relegated doesn't seem right because the squad is too good.

"It's disappointing but over the years we've always picked ourselves up and dusted ourselves down, so that's what's got to happen. It could almost be that wake-up call that we all need. That reality that hits home and say, we need to pull our finger out. We've got a big tournament and it's time to show up now and perform as a squad."

Wilson went on to say that he understood frustration from fans but pleaded with those supporters that they go into the World Cup with positivity and faith in Gareth Southgate.

He said: "Gareth Southgate is a top manager and has brought us a long way in a short time. It's a bit unfair to be criticising.

"With a tournament coming up, people need to remember how we performed in the Euros and take positivity into the tournament."