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Callum Wilson

Callum Wilson receives congratulations after scoring for Bournemouth.

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Callum Wilson's injury is a massive blow - for himself and England



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I'll come out and say it before I begin, just to clear it up: I am a massive fan of Callum Wilson. And I may be a bit biased. 

As a Coventry City fan, I am well placed to tell you that Wilson was the best striker that we have had at the club in years. In a topsy-turvy 2012-2013 season for the club, the academy graduate - who, until injuries and lack of transfer funds forced manager Steven Pressley into playing him, had been given no chance by many fans - scored 22 goals, of all manner: thumping finishes, deft finishes, lucky finishes - he scored them all.

As such, the Sky Blue army were devastated to see him go, yet wished him luck on his new journey in the Championship with AFC Bournemouth. The move was not forced through by the player, there were no tantrums, was no posturing. Only good feeling on all sides, tempered only by our disappointment at seeing such a talent leave.

Wilson didn't prove to be profiting from the sometimes slack defending of League One by floundering in the Championship either. In his first season with Bournemouth he helped fire them into the Premiership with 20 goals, endearing him to a whole new set of fans in the process. And before his cruel injury last weekend, he had scored five goals in six appearances for the Cherries in the Premier League, including a hat-trick against West Ham, and a bicycle kick against Leicester.

There is no doubt that Roy Hodgson will have been watching Wilson very closely with Euro 2016 in mind. In fact, before his injury (yes, I know I'm biased here), I wouldn't have been surprised to see Wilson included in the squad for either the November friendlies or the games scheduled for the new year. 

Why is this bad news for England? Trying to look upon it objectively, Wilson offers a more potent goalscoring threat than many England strikers in the mix to establish themselves for the national side and combines many of their characteristics to great effect. He is lightning quick, a phenomenal finisher, strong, and has a great eye for a pass. Imagine Danny Welbeck if he could finish and dribble, Jamie Vardy if he could pass, Danny Ings if he were quicker. Obviously there is no dislodging the three players ahead of him at the moment for various reasons: Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, and (when he is fit) Daniel Sturridge - but Wilson has the potential to challenge these players for a starting berth in the future.  

It's an untimely injury, but time is on his side. Wilson is 23, and will hopefully come back from his injury with no loss to his pace or instinct. Bias or no bias, this guy has what it takes to get to the top. And England would only benefit if he does.

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Sam publishes regular feature and tips pieces for Howtobet4free. He has a blog, crackingjabulanis.blogspot.co.uk, and can be found on Twitter by following @Gaytski.

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Comments & Feedback

Posted by Spurs565 on
Such a shame to see! I reckon he would have score near on 20 goals this season! Although I think the England mention is a little premature! It's far too easy to get a cap for England these days, and while Wilson is a striker with potential, he is just that, a striker with potential!
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