‘Not jealous’ - Newcastle United star chooses high road with Ollie Watkins message after Aston Villa heroics

Newcastle United star Callum Wilson congratulated Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins on his hat-trick last weekend but admitted he was aware that the star could rival him for an England spot. The Villa talisman netted three times as Unai Emery's side romped to a 6-1 win over Brighton at Villa Park last weekend.

Watkins and Wilson both now have four Premier League goals this term, the only Englishman in the top flight with more is West Ham man Jarrod Bowen. Watkins' recent performances were enough to see him recalled into the England squad this week ahead of this month's friendly with Australia and Euro 2024 qualifying clash with Italy. Wilson is currently struggling with an injury niggle, which will have cleared a path for the hat-trick hero, but the two forwards may be competing over one spot for next year's Euros.

Speaking on the Footballer's Football Podcast, Wilson said: "Why are you asking me about Ollie Watkins like you want me to promote him to get into the England squad? I'm joking, I ain't the jealous type. He had a good weekend, scored a hat-trick. I love seeing people score hat-tricks in the Premier League because it's not an easy thing to do.

"When you're playing against teams like Brighton, it can go both ways. You can either win 3,4,5-0 or you can lose 3,4,5-0. There's nothing in between with them because they play such expansive football. If you get the first goal against them you end up getting more goals. They seemed to explore that and Ollie got himself a hat-trick."

Wilson has nine England caps to his name and Watkins has picked up seven in recent years. The Newcastle United man did make it into Southgate's World Cup squad last year with the Villain missing out. There was no space for Nick Pope or Anthony Gordon in the Three Lions boss' latest squad but Kieran Trippier will be on international duty for England once again.