Newcastle United star in line for surprise World Cup call

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson is waiting in the wings as England sweat over Harry Kane’s fitness. The latter has sustained an ankle injury and is due for a scan today ahead of the Three Lions’ next World Cup clash.

Gareth Southgate’s side thrashed Iran 6-2 in their opening game, with Wilson coming off the bench in that one. They are back in action on Friday against USA but may be without their talisman up top.

Kane’s potential omission could pave the way for Wilson to start which would be exciting for those of a Newcastle persuasion. He trained away from the rest of the squad in Qatar yesterday and did some solo conditioning work instead to ease his workload.

He has been in fine form in the Premier League this season, hence his call-up ahead of Brentford’s Ivan Toney, and has helped the Toon Army rise to 3rd place in the table. The former Coventry City and Bournemouth forward has chipped in with six league goals in 11 games.

Southgate has a big decision to make regarding Kane and won’t want to risk him so early in the tournament to possibly make his situation worse.

USA go into the game later this week on the back of their 1-1 draw against Wales. The States struggled to deal with Kieffer Moore’s presence in the second-half in that one and Newcastle’s Wilson will be rubbing his hands together at the prospect of playing against them.