England are already through to the 2022 World Cup tournament in Qatar… it just isn’t official yet.
The draw for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Europe has concluded and England are expected to reserve their place in Qatar on cruise control. With the other nations in the group consisting of Poland, Hungary, Albania, Andorra, and San Marino, Gareth Southgate will enjoy a stress-free qualification process.
In terms of how this impacts Newcastle United, one player will certainly be smiling and rubbing his hands together after seeing that group. Callum Wilson was left out of the most recent England squad, but Southgate would be foolish not to experiment a bit against Europe’s minnows in Group I.
Wilson is off to a flying start this season with seven goals and two assists to his name in nine appearances. Overall, Wilson has been directly involved in 75% of Newcastle United’s goals this season, and he is eager to keep building on that impressive tally.
Alan Shearer is the last player to net 20 or more goals in a Premier League season for Newcastle United, and that was 17 years ago. Moreover, only three players in total – Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, and Les Ferdinand – have hit that target in a black and white shirt, and Wilson is on track to becoming the fourth striker to join that group of legends.
Only Southgate knows what his plans are, but he will certainly receive some pressure from the Premier League’s top clubs to rest key players against the likes of Albania, Andorra, and San Marino. Maybe even Hungary.
Looking at the group on paper, Wilson should definitely get a window of opportunity to suit up for his country, and it would be difficult for Southgate to pass on him and Patrick Bamford, for example, given their stellar form at the club level.