Sunderland legend names shock Newcastle United player to make England’s Euro 2024 squad

Jermain Defoe has backed Callum Wilson to make England’s Euro 2024 squad - providing he can stay fit.

Another injury-hit campaign has frustrated the 32-year-old at Newcastle United this season. When playing, Wilson is a capable goalscorer at Premier League level but setbacks have proven his kryptonite.

The striker - currently out with a pectoral tear - has missed 13 top-flight fixtures this season and is not expected to return until May. That has led to calls for Newcastle to sign a new number nine in the summer.

As for England, Wilson last featured in September’s 3-1 win over Scotland. A lifelong dream to play at the World Cup was achieved last season but Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are now ahead of him in the pecking order.

Speaking to The Mirror, former Sunderland hero Defoe refused to rule Wilson out of contention. He said: "I think if he (Wilson) can keep himself fit he's someone that can score goals. I've always liked Callum, I played with him a little bit at Bournemouth.

“He's a goalscorer, a good finisher and calm in front of goal. Ollie Watkins is a goalscorer. Ivan Toney, you know, he's confident, scores goals. He's a different sort of player to Ollie Watkins, he's more of a focal point.

"Players get injured, suspensions like I remember in South Africa. I think (in) the first training session, Rio Ferdinand did his cruciate, so you have to always be ready. In every training session, you have to be switched on to the information and just keep yourself ready.

"I think these players, they're professional. They know at any moment you can get an opportunity and you've got to take it, especially at a tournament, that sort of level. That's the pinnacle. So, you know, those concentration levels are so vital. But they're all top players anyway."