Callum Wilson, a striker for Newcastle United, was included in the England squad, but Gareth Southgate was the first to acknowledge that the number nine was a major doubt for the matches against North Macedonia and Malta.
Despite including the Newcastle United striker in the England squad, Gareth Southgate has acknowledged that Callum Wilson is a “doubt.”
Wilson was substituted for Kieran Trippier at halftime of Newcastle’s 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday due to a tight hamstring, but Southgate has nonetheless chosen the number nine for England’s Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Malta and North Macedonia. Eddie Howe stated earlier this week that it was “too early to know” how serious Wilson’s problem was, and Southgate appeared to be in the same boat.
“You would be amazed how complicated it is picking a squad because all clubs are sensitive to information and you’re trying to piece everything together,” he stated to reporters. “I cannot guarantee that every member of that team will be present on Sunday night.
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Different degrees of doubt exist. Callum is arguably the biggest unknown, but the others all seem eager to join the squad, so that’s a really positive sign, and I’m fairly confident they can succeed as well.”
Goalkeeper Nick Pope, on the other side of the pitch, was left out once more when Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale were selected as Jordan Pickford’s backups. Although Anthony Gordon is still waiting for a senior call-up, Southgate did watch the winger participate in Newcastle’s victories over PSG last month and Arsenal 1-0 this past weekend.
“That is an area of the pitch where we have probably got as much competition for places as anywhere,” he stated. “Jarrod Bowen has already scored seven goals this season. At Newcastle, Anthony Gordon is having a fantastic season. Cole Palmer is performing better now. Simply put, the environment there is shifting.”
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