Bournemouth striker Wilson named in England squad with Wayne Rooney

Gareth Southgate has rewarded Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson with his first senior England call-up for upcoming matches against USA and Croatia, the Football Association has confirmed.

Wilson has been in extraordinary form for Bournemouth this season and was adjudged unfortunate not to have made Southgate’s England squad for the last batch of internationals in October.

The 26-year-old could even make his England bow in a friendly against USA in what would cap a  remarkable comeback for a striker that has suffered two serious knee injuries in the past.

In fact, only Sergio Aguero, Eden Hazard and Raheem Sterling (all 11) have scored or assisted more Premier League goals than Wilson (10) this season.

Former Three Lions skipper Wayne Rooney has also been included for England’s friendly against USA and the DC United striker will come on for the final 10 minutes to celebrate his international career.

Southgate’s decision to name Rooney in his squad has been subject of intense debate and scrutiny and Harry Kane has even revealed he will hand the captain’s armband to the 33-year-old for his cameo.

Rooney has been in fantastic goalscoring touch in MLS this season but the former Manchester United striker retired from international football in August 2017.

Borussia Dortmund starlet Jadon Sancho has been named in Southgate’s senior squad for the second time in succession but there is no place for Arsenal loanee Reis Nelson, who has similarly impressed at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

Fabian Delph, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all missed last month’s internationals but they have all since recovered from injury and made Southgate’s 28-man squad for games against USA and Croatia.

Michael Keane has enjoyed an impressive start to the season with Everton and is back in the reckoning at international level for the first October 2017, but Derby starlet Mason Mount fails to make the cut due to injury.