QUICK QUIZ
1 Michael Owen, Steve McManaman, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xavi Alonso and Fernando Morientes have all played for which two clubs.
2 Who is the USA’s top ranked male tennis player?
3 Jenson Button began his F1 career with which team?
4 Who won the 2017 US PGA Championship? CALLUM WILSON vowed he would never go to Wembley until he played for England.
The Bournemouth striker broke his promise to support his beloved Coventry City in last year’s Checkatrade Trophy final because he feared his chance had gone.
But now the 26-year-old finally feels like he belongs at the national stadium after admitting that, even when he got called up for the Under-21s in the past, it did not seem right.
Wilson is in line for his senior debut as Gareth Southgate plans to field two different line-ups against USA in the friendly and the Nations League clash with Croatia on Sunday.
Wilson said: “I’ve never played at Wembley, the only time I’ve been there was to watch Coventry in the Checkatrade Cup, when I was injured, last season.
“I said I’d never go to Wembley until I played for England, so I haven’t actually played there yet, and, if I do, hopefully, it will be for England.
“When you’re playing around with your friends as a kid, you are always re-enacting that you’re playing at Wembley.
“We used to call it Wembley, the game, it was one v one, where you would try and score and you got through to the next round.
“So I would always be myself, really, trying to be at Wembley, and hoping one day it would happen.
“But, for me, with Bournemouth in the Premier League, there have been chances with playing against Tottenham away, and I’ve not been able to play.
“Even when I was at Coventry, or playing nonleague, I always said I’d play at Wembley for England. I was happy to go to watch Coventry, you know, they actually won that day.
“But I was also disappointed I wasn’t there for the first time with England.
“I haven’t set foot down there on the pitch, so, hopefully, that will be for my country.”
Wilson was Coventry born and bred, farmed out on loan to non-league with Kettering and Tamworth, but has never lost touch with his roots. Pals and former teammates will be out in force as he has tickets for about “15 or 20” of them. But it is also a big progression for Wilson, who was called up for England U-21s by Southgate during his reign.
But he admits that was a strange experience as he was still in the Championship. Wilson said: “He gave me an opportunity at that level, a lot has happened since then and I think, as you get older, you appreciate more getting the recognition for England. “When I was younger and got called up for the U-21s, a lot of players in that squad were playing in the Premier League and I was in the Championship. You felt like you’re here and they are there, sort of thing.
“I suppose I didn’t feel like I was meant to be there then, whereas now I think my performances in the Premier League have shown that I am able to be here.”
Wilson also believes Jamie Vardy’s retirement has opened up a chance for him to stake his England claim.
“I’m an out-and-out No.9,” added Wilson. “Obviously, I wouldn’t class myself as similar to Harry Kane (left), we’re different players.
“I tend to just play down the middle. I feel like I can score goals. I’m just hoping I can stay fit, in form and get some opportunities.
“I feel like I don’t want to come here just to make up the numbers, I want to impress the manager.
“For me, obviously, Vardy retiring is disappointing for the country – a great player – and I offer similar attributes to him.”