Callum Wilson believes he CAN offer a lethal alternative to Harry Kane as England prepare for their knockout clash with Senegal.
The Newcastle United striker has been an effective substitute for Kane in two of England’s World Cup matches, registering an assist after coming on against Iran and going close to scoring against Wales. And while Wilson obviously knows he will not replace the captain in England’s starting line-up, he will continue to put pressure on Kane and be ready to give Gareth Southgate an exciting option from the bench.
He explained: “Myself and Harry are totally different players. I think that’s probably why we are in the squad together. We have different profiles. Harry’s strengths are linking the play and being an unbelievable goalscorer, mine is probably stretching the game, creating space for others within the midfield and to get in on the shoulder and try to get my goals.
“There are different stages in the game and I give a different dynamic to the defence. They have something different to think about, and other players end up finding more space.
“Whatever the game requires - late on in games, no-one wants to run towards their own goal so it’s probably a nice attacking weapon to have.”
Kane is without a goal in the opening three games - despite England scoring nine - and Wilson is determined to keep the Spurs forward on his toes.
He went on: “England have got a great squad at the end of the day and we feel like everyone’s there and pushing each other. You don’t want anybody getting complacent.
"You’re trying to push the other striker, the other winger, the other centre midfielder. There’s a few players in each position and, at any moment, the manager can rotate like he did against Wales.
“People like Marcus (Rashford) come in and get a brace so it just shows that everyone is staying ready for action when it comes their way.
“You have to be training well and making sure that any opportunity that comes your way, you’re ready to take it. Thankfully I got another one against Wales. I am just trying to be myself, play the game, affect the game and help the team get the win over the line.”
And Wilson believes the overall display against Rob Page’s side was as important as the result.
He said: “It was important we responded with a performance more than anything after the USA game. But a win breeds confidence and builds momentum, which is important going into the knockout stages.”