Eddie Howe insists Callum Wilson is ‘still an international player’ despite current form

Eddie Howe says Callum Wilson’s England career lives on despite his post-World Cup slump in form.

The Newcastle striker has only scored once for club and country since winning a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Qatar in November.

The England boss is set to name his last squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine, and Wilson has Sunday’s home game against Wolves to prove his worth.

He used the motivation of a World Cup call-up during the early part of the season, scoring six times in nine matches. The 31-year-old has seemed a shadow of that player in recent months, leaving his involvement in England in doubt.

But Howe says Wilson has faith in himself to rediscover his best form.

The England boss (right) is set to name his last team for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine, but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is still backing Wilson for a call-up.

“Callum has an incredible mentality, he pushes himself all the time,” the Newcastle head coach said.

“In your playing career, you’re going to have ups and downs, but you need that inner belief that you’re the best, and I think Callum has that.

‘I know that his dream of the World Cup was very strong in his mind and he used it as a great motivational tool.

‘But Callum has always been more than that. It’s not just about short-term goals. He has this vision that he wants to be the best in his field. He is well motivated on all levels.

‘I don’t see that (the World Cup) as a big drawback from that experience. If anything, it was a great high. He left him wanting more.

“I would say that international football continues to be a great engine for him. I see him as an international player and I want that for him.”

Wilson’s (right) dreams came true when he was selected for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Meanwhile, Howe has fallen short in midfield following Jonjo Shelvey’s departure for Nottingham Forest in January and the two-match suspension for Joelinton.

“We’re light in midfield,” he said, before referring to the loss of Shelvey.

“I don’t think it was a risk I took, it was a decision I didn’t want to make. It was not a premeditated decision of mine to take that risk. It was 99 percent out of my hands for Jonjo to leave.

“We were left with a little hole without his presence, but it happened and now we have to make the best of the situation.”