Gareth Southgate says Callum Wilson fully deserves his first England senior call-up, following his addition to the squad for November’s games with USA and Croatia.
The AFC Bournemouth striker has been in red-hot form so far this season, scoring six goals and making four assists in his 11 games.
And Southgate was already well aware of Wilson’s capabilities having worked with him four years ago when he was in charge of the U21s.
"Callum is a striker that we’ve worked with briefly with the U21s so we know plenty about him," revealed Southgate, who gave Wilson his first England cap in a game against France.
"He’s a threat in terms of running in behind defences and he’s obviously been involved either scoring or with assists for a couple of goals this season.
"So it’s a good opportunity for us to have a look at him in training and see whether he fits into what we do and for him to get a feel for working with the senior team."
Since Wilson’s U21s appearance in Brest in November 2014, the former Coventry City striker has suffered and recovered from two serious knee injuries.
But after fighting his way back into Eddie Howe’s line-up and playing a big part in the Cherries’ impressive campaign so far, the Three Lions boss has been left impressed.
"Part of being a footballer is showing resilience and I think that would be commonplace among a lot of the squad who have had to come back from setbacks, whether that’s rejection or injury," he added.
"He’s had that, but he’s back to a really good level and played a big part in Bournemouth’s start to the season so he’s earned the right for his call up."
England will meet up at St. George’s Park on Monday to start their preparations for the Wayne Rooney Foundation International with USA at Wembley on Thursday 15 November.
They then take on Croatia in their final Nations League game on Sunday 18 November, with tickets still available for both matches.
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