England call up “In his hands”

Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe believes that Callum Wilson has a great chance of forcing his way into Gareth Southgate’s World Cup Squad.

The Cherries striker has had to fight back from serious knee injuries in the past but has seven goals in 21 appearances this season, more than Danny Welbeck who only has three goals this season.

Howe said, “I know that he’s (Southgate) looked at Callum and watching Callum regularly so it’ll be up to Callum to try and force his way into the squad.

“He’s got competition for his place, there are some good players who he is competing against, but it is in Callum’s hands.

“I feel that if he does well between now and the end of the season he will certainly be in the frame.”

Nathan Ake, Ryan Fraser, and Lewis Cook also made appearances for the Netherlands, Scotland, and England respectively during the international break, with Lewis Cook making his full England debut from the bench against Italy.

Howe made it abundantly clear that their attitudes have not changed since their respective call-up.

He said, “There’s no problem there with their attitude there all very level-headed great lads, they all want to work hard and do well.

“It was more of a case of congratulating them, very, very pleased for them individually, and then back to work and making sure we prepare well for Watford.”

Bournemouth and Watford both have 36 points, with the Cherries in 10th place and Watford in 11th.

The Hornets are coming off the back of a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, so will be looking to put that defeat behind them.

Bournemouth was also on the end of a heavy defeat to Liverpool in September, when they lost 0-4 at the Vitality stadium.

Howe highlighted that it is essential to move on quickly after those defeats.
The 40-year old said, “You have to in those games just draw a line underneath it very, very quickly and move on, there’s no point dwelling on it.

“The top teams are capable of doing that to anybody, so there’s no point letting negativity dwell in your team, so draw a line underneath it and move on quickly.”

The Hornets also lost 3-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates but they have won their last three home games-one of those being the impressive 4-1 victory over last season’s Champions Chelsea.

Both teams, are currently eight points clear of the dreaded relegation zone, but this fixture is still regarded as being key in the battle to stay up in the Premier League.