‘At that moment’: Gareth Southgate says he absolutely loved what £20m Newcastle United man did today

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England boss Gareth Southgate has told the BBC that he absolutely loved what Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson did today.

Wilson earned his place in the England squad after a brilliant start to the season at St James Park.

The £20 million man has bagged six goals in 11 games for Newcastle, which convinced Southgate to hand him a place on the plane to Qatar.

The 30-year-old hadn’t been called up to the squad in three years but has now joined Kieran Trippier at the World Cup. 

England thrashed Iran 6-2 in their opener today and Wilson got a taste of the action as he replaced Harry Kane in the 76th minute.

The Magpies striker made an impact too as he set-up Grealish for England’s sixth on the day. And Southgate loved the fact that Wilson decided to tee up the Manchester City winger rather than go for goal himself.

Southgate loved what Wilson did today

Speaking to the BBC after today’s win, Southgate was asked about Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka bagging their first World Cup goals.

But he decided to highlight Wilson’s assist as the moment from the game that he liked.

“I mean, it’s great. What I particularly liked was Jack Grealish’s goal at the end where Callum Wilson’s on [goal],” he said.

“He could’ve been selfish but he was really thinking of the team even at that moment.

“I’m a miserable so and so. I should be more excited but I’ve got to keep the team on the right track and we will have to be better.”

Wilson will be delighted after making his World Cup debut today and it seems he’s made an impression on Southgate.

The striker looked a real threat when he came off the bench, troubling Iran with his smart runs in behind their defence.

He will be hoping to get more opportunities over the course of the tournament, with Kane being England’s first-choice striker and captain at this moment in time.