Paul Merson says £20m Newcastle player is absolutely ‘phenomenal’

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson has compared Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson to Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.

The pundit, writing on Sky Sports, has backed the Magpies star to make the England Squad for the 2022 World Cup.

Merson also believes Wilson has “mastered” the art of scoring inside the six-yard box, much like his Spurs counterpart.

Wilson has enjoyed a sensational start to the season for Newcastle, registering six goals and two assists.

This is despite the 30-year-old missing four Premier League matches due to a hamstring injury.

Wilson’s efforts have helped Newcastle climb up into the top four of the English top-flight table.

The £20million man’s performances have led to calls for him to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar.

As well as Wilson, Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney are in contention to deputise for Kane at the World Cup.

And Merson says he’d be shocked if Southgate snubbed the St James’ Park star.

“I like Wilson and Toney,” he wrote. “I’d be shocked if Wilson didn’t go to the World Cup.

“I’ve said it from day one, Wilson has international movement. He plays on the shoulder; his movement is phenomenal.

“If England are ever in trouble and need a goal, Gareth Southgate needs to look at his bench.

“Wilson gets goals in the six-yard box, there is an art to that, an art the other England forwards with the exception of Kane haven’t mastered.”

Wilson a serious contender for England at 2022 World Cup?

Southgate has reportedly named Wilson in his provisional 55-man squad that will become 26 next week.

And according to The Telegraph, England have reached out to Newcastle’s medical department over how best to manage his workload at the World Cup.

Southgate was in attendance for Newcastle’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa, where Wilson scored a brace.

Wilson hasn’t played for England since 2019, but it looks as though he’s a serious contender for the World Cup.