World Cup hopeful Callum Wilson says he is focused on performing for Newcastle after scoring twice to help them beat Aston Villa in front of England boss Gareth Southgate.
Wilson beat Villa substitute goalkeeper Robin Olsson to the spot when he replaced Emiliano Martinez, who was withdrawn after team-mate Tyrone Mingus suffered a blow to the head.
The Newcastle striker doubled his side’s lead when he headed home from close range, with Joelinton and the in-form Miguel Almiron sealing a fifth win in six games for Eddie Howe’s side.
Southgate will soon name his England squad for the tournament in Qatar, but Wilson said he did not know the Three Lions boss was watching at St James’ Park as he beat Newcastle in six games. Helped earn fifth win.
“You step on the white line and you focus on Newcastle,” he told Match of the Day.
“I have been asked about the World Cup many times and yes I would love to go, but it was time to make my point on the football field.
“If it’s good enough, so be it. I can just try to perform for Newcastle and see where it takes me.”
Wilson’s double takes his tally to six Premier League goals this season, with Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Brentford’s Ivan Toney the only English players to have scored more.
However, the 30-year-old Wilson was still frustrated as he squandered chances to take home the match ball.
“I was disappointed not to get the hat-trick, it wasn’t happening that I was dragged with 10 minutes to go,” he added.
“But two goals and an assist, I’ll take that as I helped the team get the three points today.”
Magpies Cap in Almost Perfect Month Style
Another surprising attacking display capped a fantastic month for Newcastle, who took 16 points from a possible 18 in October.
Opening the day in the top four of the table for the first time since April 2012, Howe’s side extended their unbeaten run to eight games and underlined their status as contenders for a Champions League place. What did
However, Wilson is not going away.
“For us, it’s about consistency,” he said when asked what Newcastle are capable of achieving this season.
“It’s the first time in a while that we’ve won three in a row, now can we go and do it again, that’s the challenge.”
While a stop-start first half didn’t help Newcastle’s flow, the hosts upped the tempo towards the end, with Wilson beating Olsen from 12 yards to open the scoring before Ashley Young parried Almiron’s effort. Used his arm.
“I’m not sure how you’re supposed to defend anymore,” Young said.
“The referee said that’s the rule but unless you have your arms by your side, it’s not the right way to defend so you have to defend the way I did.”
Wilson had a second goal ruled out for offside before the break, but doubled Newcastle’s lead when he nodded home a Kieran Trippier cross from close range.
Joelinton scored his first goal of the season, after Olsson denied Wilson his hat-trick, and Almiron produced a fine Newcastle display, curling a shot into the net for the game’s third. Did you score?
Newcastle continued to push for a goal but Wilson and substitute Jacob Murphy were denied the woodwork as the hosts were reduced to four runs.
