Callum Wilson insists Newcastle transfer can revive his England career

Callum Wilson wants to cash in on Gareth Southgate’s striker disciplinary problems and use his Newcastle switch to revive his England career.

The £20m signing has targeted a place in the Euro squad – and vowed to chase a 20 goal season at St James’ Park to earn an international recall.

Wilson last played for Southgate 11months ago against Bulgaria.

He scored on his debut against the USA in November 2018 and earned four caps on the back of a 16 goal haul for Bournemouth.

Wilson wants to contend for a finishing role at the Euros.

And with front men Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden axed this week for breaching COVID-19 regulations by hosting girls in the team hotel, and facing an exile, a quick start in the Toon will help his ambitions.

Wilson, 28, said his international hopes “played a key role in my decision to try and remain a Premier League player.”

He added: “I understand in the Championship you are not going to be able to remain in the international squad. Even though the England internationals are going on now, and the squad was announced, I was not expecting to get in there.

“But I use things as a motivation and it was a case of getting to a Premier League team, hit the ground running here at Newcastle, and get the attention of the international manager. To get in the squad, to play more.

“There is a big tournament coming up and every guy’s dream is to represent your country at a big tournament. There is no bigger carrot dangling in front of someone than that.

“Having a taste of it and having it taken away again has made me more hungry.

“That will only come by me working hard here, scoring goals and helping the team getting points. Then you get noticed by the international manager.”

Wilson will be Newcastle’s No9 and admits he has to improve on his form for relegated Bournemouth last season. He scored 67 goals in 187 games for the Cherries.

He added: “I believe in my ability. I have Premier League goals to my name. I didn’t have the greatest season last year. Eight goals in the league is not something I even want to associate myself with.

“I’ll be looking to get to double figures as quickly as possible here and score as many as possible.

“Double figures first, then you want to get to the 20 mark. I need to score to get into the England squad for the Euros. I am ready to work hard.”