Newcastle United star Callum Wilson sends injury update amid major England update

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has been forced to withdraw from the England squad ahead of the international break as he battles a hamstring injury picked up in the Champions League meeting with Borussia Dortmund last week.

The talisman was absent from the Magpies' defeat at his former club Bournemouth on Saturday and has now taken to social media to update fans on his injury having pulled out of international duty.

Wilson had been included in the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia but will no longer take part. Although competitive fixtures, the Three Lions have already qualified for next summer's competition.

Nonetheless, they were potentially pivotal games for Wilson to convince England manager Gareth Southgate that he deserves a place in the side for Euro 2024. Wilson has been vying for a spot with in-form Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins in recent times and the Villa star is fit and raring to go for England this week.

Taking to X, Wilson penned a message to followers to elaborate on his injury and send a strong message of determination for a return at club and international level. He wrote: ‘Unfortunately, a recent setback has meant I had to withdraw from the squad that I’d worked so hard to be a part of. Strong walls shake but never collapse, so for sure I’ll be back soon. Good luck to the lads in the upcoming fixtures."

Wilson is not the only England star to withdraw from duty last minute, with Spurs midfielder James Maddison and Brighton defender Lewis Dunk also unable to play. Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Manchester City's Rico Lewis and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa have received call-ups.

Speaking about Wilson and the side's injury woes, Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe said: "He's going to be out for a number of weeks."

"[The international break] has come at a very good time but I don't necessarily think that means we're going to have a flood of players back but hopefully we can get one or two.”