NEWCASTLE striker Callum Wilson vowed to reclaim his place in the England squad insisting he has “unfinished business”.
And despite Gareth Southgate’s side reaching the Euro 2020 final and Harry Kane fuelling his reputation as one of the world’s top strikers, Wilson is not deterred.
He is confident he can score the goals for the Magpies which will make Southgate sit up and take notice.
The 29-year-old has not played for England since the 6-0 win against Bulgaria in Sofia back in October 2019, a game marred by racist taunts from home fans.
And he was not considered for the Euros after suffering a hamstring strain in April.
But Wilson insists he can still play a key role in the build up to next year’s World Cup in Qatar.
Wilson still managed 12 goals in 26 Prem appearances last term and was voted the Toon’s Player of the Year.
He said: “I’ve still got England ambitions because I have unfinished business. I haven’t been involved since Bournemouth were relegated and I joined Newcastle.
“That’s left a bitter taste in my mouth.”
Wilson feels circumstances conspired against him after scoring on his England debut in 2018 and winning another three caps over the next 11 months.
He added: “Lockdown certainly didn’t help, from a personal point of view, it came at the worst time. Although I only played four times for England, quite a lot happened in those games.
“I scored on my debut, had another one disallowed and hit the post. Every time I pulled on the shirt, I did myself justice.
“I was involved in the Nations Cup but when international football was due to return and I was looking to carry on where I’d left off, Covid struck.
“I feel I have a lot to offer England, not just in terms of my goals record but my physical attributes and leadership qualities.”
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Newcastle Steve Bruce has handed Wilson the iconic No 9 shirt and Wilson admits the goals Jamie Vardy has amassed in his 30s for Leicester, have convinced him he is still improving.
He said: “He’s an example to every forward pushing 30.
“Given the chance, I can take my goals per game record at club level into the international arena.”
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