Callum Wilson Eyes England World Cup Squad Despite Hiatus

Callum Wilson Determined to Reclaim England Spot for 2026 World Cup

Callum Wilson, the experienced striker, has England World Cup ambitions firmly in his sights—even though he hasn’t featured for the Three Lions since 2023. At 33, the West Ham forward remains undeterred by the odds, fueled by a confidence that previously helped him reach the Qatar World Cup amidst widespread skepticism.

Ambition Drives Wilson’s Premier League Journey

Wilson’s daily journal is filled with clear targets, the most significant of which is breaking the 100 Premier League goals barrier. Now on 90 goals, his move to West Ham last summer was a calculated decision to chase this historic milestone rather than accept lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. Wilson explained, “I have 100 goals—that’s written down. I’ve always set personal targets, and despite not playing as much as I’d like in recent seasons, I believe a good run of games can put me back in contention for England at the World Cup.”

His journey has been defined by self-belief, often misconstrued as delusion by outsiders. But Wilson insists that this mindset has consistently proven doubters wrong throughout his career. “Every time I’ve been written off, I’ve come back,” he shared.

Return to Bournemouth: Revisiting His Roots

This weekend marks a poignant return for Wilson to Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium, where he scored 41 of his 90 Premier League goals. The striker reminisces fondly about his time at the club: “I’m looking forward to being back where I built my name and helped the team achieve success. I know the stadium well, and I’ve scored in both nets there—hopefully, I’ll do it again.”

Staying in England for Legacy, Not Money

Wilson’s decision to remain in the Premier League was motivated by legacy, not financial gain. After overcoming injuries and competition from teammates like Alexander Isak at Newcastle, he opted against an easy move abroad. “I’m a fighter,” Wilson declared. “I didn’t want to just collect a paycheck somewhere else. My goal is to finish strong in the Premier League and reach that 100-goal mark.”

England’s Manager Tuchel and the Challenge Ahead

For Wilson to achieve his England World Cup dream, impressing Thomas Tuchel is key. Tuchel, who recently guided England to a flawless qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, is known for his detailed and personal approach to squad selection. With a long list of around 60 hopefuls, Tuchel insists on communicating directly with players about their chances and what improvements are needed.

“Reaching out and giving honest feedback is part of my job,” Tuchel explained. He values face-to-face interactions and frequent club visits, emphasizing that every player—even those not regularly picked—will know exactly where they stand.

Can Wilson Force His Way Back into the Squad?

Despite his age and injury history, Wilson refuses to give up hope. He remains convinced that a late-season surge in form could convince Tuchel to include him in England’s final squad for the World Cup. “People think I’m delusional for believing, but I’ve achieved everything I’ve set out to do before. I’ll keep pushing until the final squad is announced,” Wilson said with a smile.

What Wilson’s Ambition Means for England’s World Cup Hopes

Wilson’s determination offers an inspiring narrative for both his club and country. His relentless pursuit of goals and unwavering belief in his abilities set a valuable example for younger players aiming for international recognition. As the race for places in Tuchel’s England squad heats up, Wilson’s experience and drive could prove invaluable.

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Opinion: Why Wilson’s Self-Belief Matters

Callum Wilson’s steadfast belief in his England World Cup prospects is a testament to the power of mental strength in elite sport. While many may question whether he can recapture the form needed at his age, his past achievements show that writing Wilson off is always a risk. If he can stay fit and rediscover his scoring touch, he could yet force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans—reminding us all that football’s greatest stories often come from those who refuse to give up.